MI SB0840

Amends section 30103 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (1994 PA 451) to clarify permit exemptions for various water-related activities in Michigan.

Exempts maintenance of agricultural drains constructed before January 1, 1973, or under permit, allowing activities including sediment excavation, bank stabilization, culvert replacement (up to 24 additional feet), and emergency reconstruction using best management practices.

Permits riparian owners to remove aquatic nuisance plants by hand-pulling without powered tools and to rake unvegetated lake bottomlands composed predominantly of sand or pebbles without mechanized equipment.

Exempts annual installation of seasonal docks, pilings, mooring buoys, and other mooring structures previously authorized by permit, and controlled livestock access to streams for watering or crossing constructed to USDA standards.

Effective date: August 21, 2018 (90 days after enactment on May 23, 2018).