MI SB0398

Authorizes the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE) director to issue written emergency orders requiring persons in violation of environmental laws to take immediate action to prevent harm to public health, safety, welfare, property, or natural resources.

Emergency actions may include immediate repair or removal of structures or fill on bottomlands owned by the violating person, but does not expand the department's authority under Part 315 as limited by section 31506(2)(a).

If a person fails to comply with an emergency order or cannot be contacted, the department may take necessary action and recover costs through civil action; the director may modify or terminate orders when emergency conditions no longer exist.

Requires the department to provide a hearing within 15 days after issuing an emergency order, where the director must determine whether the order should be continued, modified, suspended, or terminated based on facts and information.

The department must consider any evidence from the person showing inability to pay before pursuing cost recovery.