Signed by Governor Rick Snyder

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends previous environmental laws regarding mining and water pollution.

Highlights:

• Specifies that this section does not apply to ferrous and nonferrous mining operations with regard to the placement, removal, use, or processing of mineral tailings or mineral deposits being placed in inland waters on bottomlands owned by or under the control of the ferrous or nonferrous mineral operator unless there is to be a discharge of waste or waste effluent from the inland waters into waters of the state (Sec. 3116).

• Specifies that this part does not apply to the discharge of water from underground ferrous and nonferrous mining operation unless there is to be a discharge of waste or waste effluent into the waters of the State (Sec. 3116).

• Specifies that the exemptions do not apply to inland waters owned by or under control of a ferrous or nonferrous mineral operator if there is an inland lake or stream that flows both into those inland waters and out from those inland waters directly into the waters of the state (Sec. 3116).

Full Bill Text