SB 123 Summary

• Requires owners of high-risk riparian structures (docks, wharves, piers, jetties, seawalls) and commercial/industrial riparian structures to submit inspection reports prepared by licensed professional engineers to the department and local 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, 2022 on a staggered schedule.

• Inspection reports must evaluate structural integrity, identify deficiencies that could cause failure or pollution, and recommend necessary maintenance, repairs, and modifications; owners must promptly correct identified deficiencies.

• Authorizes the department to issue compliance orders, conduct its own inspections if owners fail to do so, and recover costs through civil action; empowers the attorney general to pursue civil actions with civil fines of $2,500 to $5,000 per day of violation deposited into the Great Lakes and rivers protection fund.

• Allows the department to promulgate rules for implementation and enforcement; does not relieve owners of existing legal duties or liabilities related to riparian structure ownership or operation.