MI HB5167

Amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to add definitions related to aquatic nuisance species, ballast water treatment methods, and facility classifications for water discharge purposes.

Exempts aquaculture facilities registered under the Michigan Aquaculture Development Act from permit requirements unless they qualify as concentrated aquatic animal production facilities, with the department developing a general permit for land-based aquaculture facilities subject to permitting.

Establishes a consolidated single-fee permitting system for projects requiring multiple environmental approvals, with applicants paying only the highest applicable fee rather than duplicate fees across different regulatory sections.

Permits the department to authorize water-based aquaculture facilities on bottomlands if they comply with this part and the Michigan Aquaculture Development Act, and exempts registered aquaculture facilities and confinement research facilities from fish-taking permit requirements.

Repeals Part 459 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act and takes effect 90 days after enactment, contingent on enactment of HB 5166 and HB 5168.