HB 5840 Summary

• Amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act by adding Part 343 to address riparian contamination and structures.

• Requires the Department of Natural Resources to conduct a risk assessment by January 1, 2021 for all riparian properties (those bordering the Great Lakes or connecting waterways) currently or formerly used for industrial or commercial purposes.

• Risk assessment must rate each property as high-, medium-, or low-risk based on historic uses, hazardous substances, compliance status, inspection history, monitoring status, water levels, and proximity to water supply intakes.

• Mandates the department create and publish a public database of all riparian properties and their risk assessment ratings on its website.

• Requires the department to update the risk assessment and database at least once every 5 years.