HB 5838 Summary

• Requires owners of high-risk riparian structures (docks, wharfs, piers, jetties, seawalls) and commercial/industrial riparian structures to submit inspection reports prepared by licensed professional engineers to the department and municipality.

• High-risk riparian structures must be inspected at least once every 3 years; commercial or industrial riparian structures must be inspected at least once every 5 years, with inspections commencing January 1, 2021.

• Inspection reports must evaluate structural integrity, identify deficiencies that could lead to failure or pollution of state waters, and recommend necessary maintenance, repairs, and modifications.

• Department may issue compliance orders for violations and the Attorney General may pursue civil actions seeking injunctive relief and civil fines of $2,500 to $5,000 per day of violation, with fines deposited in the Great Lakes and rivers protection fund.

• Owners must promptly correct deficiencies identified in inspection reports; if owners fail to submit required reports, the department may conduct inspections at the owner's expense and may recover costs through civil action.