MI SB0972

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

Allows mining operations to prevent creation of inland lakes or maintain created water bodies below 5 acres through pumping or other natural or artificial means without requiring a permit.

Requires a permit only if pumping or other measures fail to keep the surface area of created water bodies below 5 acres.

Updates reference in existing permit exemption for watershed protection projects from 16 USC 1001-1008 and 1010 to 16 USC 1001-1012.

Clarifies that department of agriculture is now called "department of agriculture and rural development" in the drainage structures rule approval committee.