HB 4555 Summary

• Adds Part 639 (Blasting in Mining Operations) to the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to regulate blasting at mineral mining operations in Michigan.

• Requires mining operators to limit explosives type, detonating equipment, and blast size/timing/frequency to prevent injury and property damage, with compliance verified by one of three standards: peak particle velocity limits (1.25 to 0.75 inches per second depending on distance), scaled distance calculations (50 to 65 feet depending on distance), or department-approved alternative standards.

• Mandates operators maintain blasting records for at least one year including blast dates/times/locations, explosive types/amounts, and seismograph measurements or alternative standard data.

• Grants the Department of Environmental Quality authority to inspect mining areas, promulgate implementing rules, issue orders suspending or modifying operations for violations, and allows emergency orders lasting up to 21 days for imminent threats.

• Establishes civil penalties of $1,500 to $15,000 for violations and criminal penalties up to 2 years imprisonment plus $3,000 to $30,000 fines for intentional false statements in required records; prohibits local governments from enacting conflicting ordinances.