President's Message
Brian Jonckheere, Livingston County Drain Commissioner
It is fair to say that the hot and steamy summer was not wholly attributable to the weather. Other issues, such as funding for the intercounty drain program and State regulatory reforms, also provided their share of the heat.
Part 301/303
Several weeks ago, and with little fanfare, new permit categories were officially adopted by the MDEQ for activities within wetlands and inland lakes and streams. One may wonder how this came to pass, considering the decade long on-again, off-again discussions with the State regarding amendments to Part 301 and 303 of Act 451. Even for those who have been involved in the various revision iterations with the State, the answer isn’t altogether clear.The newest resurgence in the Part 301/303 debate began back in 2010, with the enactment of PA 120 of 2009. The State Legislature mandated that the DEQ, among other things, develop minor and general permit categories for the two statutes. This was done, in part, to comply with the EPA audit...more...