MI HB4903

County boards must respond to petitions from 2/3 of lakefront property owners to initiate proceedings to determine normal water levels within 45 days, and may also initiate such proceedings independently.

Dam owners may draw down impoundments below established normal levels to mitigate or prevent flooding or heavy flows posing danger to public health, safety, or property, after written notice to the department and relevant authorities, with restoration required within 14 days or when the threat ends.

Department may issue emergency orders requiring dam owners to repair, draw down, breach, or cease operations of dams in imminent danger of failure, and may undertake these actions itself and recover costs if the owner fails to comply or cannot be contacted.

Performance bonds for new or reconstructed dams impounding inland lakes with established normal levels must ensure project completion, site restoration, and safe operation and maintenance of the dam.

Emergency drawdown orders under certain circumstances expire within 14 days or upon department written notice that emergency conditions no longer exist, after which dam owners must resume normal level maintenance operations.