January 29, 2003, Introduced by Reps. Kolb, Gieleghem, Vagnozzi, Zelenko, Minore, Murphy and Gleason and referred to the Committee on Land Use and Environment.
A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled
"Natural resources and environmental protection act,"
(MCL 324.101 to 324.90106) by adding section 3111a; and to repeal
acts and parts of acts.
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN ENACT:
1 Sec. 3111a. (1) The department shall establish a program to
2 encourage monitoring of ambient water quality of the waters of
3 the state by citizens and community groups. Participants in this
4 program may be referred to as the clean water corps. In
5 implementing this program, the department shall do all of the
6 following:
7 (a) Provide technical assistance to citizens and community
8 groups who are conducting water quality monitoring.
9 (b) Integrate monitoring data from citizens and community
10 groups into water quality assessments and department programs, if
1 that data adhere to department quality assurance and quality
2 control protocols.
3 (c) After providing notice and an opportunity for public
4 comment, collaboratively develop clear guidelines for water
5 quality monitoring procedures and data management practices for
6 specific data and information uses.
7 (d) By June 1, 2003, distribute the guidelines developed
8 under subdivision (c) to citizens, community groups, local units
9 of government, and other interested persons.
10 (e) Improve and expand water quality monitoring activities
11 carried out by the department.
12 (f) Improve electronic and internet access to water quality
13 data and information about public waters that have been either
14 fully or partially assessed.
15 (g) Seek public and private funds to carry out the
16 provisions of subdivisions (c), (d), (e), and (f).
17 (2) This section does not authorize a person to enter onto
18 private property for any purpose.
19 (3) By January 15 of each odd numbered year, the department
20 shall report to the standing committees of the senate and the
21 house of representatives with primary jurisdiction over issues
22 pertaining to natural resources and the environment on activities
23 conducted under this section. The report shall include all of
24 the following:
25 (a) An analysis of how water quality monitoring efforts by
26 citizens and community groups can assist the department in
27 developing a comprehensive statewide monitoring program.
1 (b) The projected costs savings attributed to citizen and
2 community group water quality monitoring efforts.
3 (c) The locations where additional water quality monitoring
4 is needed.
5 (4) This section is repealed effective June 30, 2005.