MI HB5404

Creates a Water Resources Commission within the Department of Environmental Quality, consisting of the director of DEQ, the director of the Department of Natural Resources, and 11 gubernatorial appointees representing commerce, medical expertise, local government, environmental organizations, and the general public.

Grants the commission supervisory authority over permit issuance, denial, revocation, suspension, and modification; rule promulgation; and department policy development, with the requirement that the department obtain commission approval before exercising these powers.

Establishes the commission's authority to receive complaints about water pollution violations and may require the department to take investigatory or enforcement action or request the attorney general to commence legal action.

Clarifies procedures for discharge permits under Michigan's water quality protection laws, including application fee timelines, permit decision deadlines (180 days for new permits, by September 30 following year for reissuance), and provisions allowing applicants to receive fee refunds and 15% annual discounts if the department fails to meet deadlines.

Sets annual permit fees for various facility types ranging from $100 to $213,000 depending on facility classification (EPA major/minor, industrial/commercial/municipal, discharge volume) until October 1, 2019, and requires oceangoing vessels to obtain permits demonstrating they will not discharge aquatic nuisance species.