MI HB4213

MAEAP-verified farms are exempt from civil fines under section 3115 if a discharge occurs from a MAEAP-verified operation in compliance with MAEAP standards, the owner/operator promptly corrects the condition after discovery, and reports the discharge to the department within 24 hours.

The civil fine exemption does not apply if the actions pose substantial endangerment to public health, safety, or welfare, or if the director determines the owner/operator has a pattern of significant environmental violations from separate and distinct events.

MAEAP-verified farms in compliance with all applicable standards are considered to be implementing conservation and management practices needed to meet total maximum daily load implementation for impaired waters.

Discharges from MAEAP-verified farms caused by act of God weather events (precipitation exceeding 1/2 inch with less than 70% forecast probability 24 hours prior) are classified as nonpoint source pollution; if they cause water quality standard exceedances, farms must report conservation practice changes within 30 days.

Amends section 8802 to add MAEAP promotion as a grant eligible activity and requires the Department of Environmental Quality to consult with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in issuing grants for nonpoint source pollution prevention, wellhead protection, and MAEAP verification activities.