MI HB4401

Exempts excavation or mining activities associated with active mining operations from permit requirements, unless the activities create an inland lake with a surface area of 5 acres or greater.

Allows mining operations to prevent permit requirements by using pumping or other means to keep created bodies of water below 5 acres in surface area.

Establishes a streamlined 30-day permit renewal process for active mining operations that have created or affect inland lakes, with a maximum application fee of $250, if the project scope has not materially increased by 10% or more.

Requires the department to approve renewal applications without additional studies unless it demonstrates by preponderance of scientific evidence that the originally permitted activity has had materially adverse effects on human health or the environment.

Defines "agricultural drain" as a human-made water conveyance constructed before January 1, 1973, that lacks continuous flow, flows primarily from precipitation or subsurface drainage, and serves agricultural production.