House Bill 1203

ARCHIVE (2004)

Latest Information

 
DIGEST OF HB 1203 (Updated March 4, 2004 4:34 pm - DI 103)

Coal mine reclamation bonds and water issues. Authorizes the director of the department of natural resources to: (1) initiate an application for the release of a reclamation plan performance bond; and (2) require operators to withdraw from the surface coal mine reclamation bond pool under certain circumstances. Allows a mine operator to withdraw from the bond pool upon replacing bond pool liability with bonds acceptable under the surface coal mining and reclamation bonding law. Amends membership and appointment authority of the surface coal mine reclamation bond pool committee. Requires certain findings and documentation for certain mine land reclamation projects funded by a governmental entity. Amends definition of "government financed construction". Specifies that water may be diverted from Lake Michigan only if the diversion is approved by the governor of each Great Lakes state under federal law. Restates enforcement and penalty provisions for violations under the jurisdiction of the division of water of the department of natural resources (department). Changes certain violations from a Class C infraction to a Class B infraction. Requires the owner of a dam to notify the department of the sale of the dam. Allows a property owner or an individual who lives downstream from a dam over which the department does not have jurisdiction to request the department to investigate whether the dam is a high hazard structure if the individual believes that the failure of the dam may cause loss of life or damage to the person's home or other structures. Provides that if the department's investigation determines that the dam's failure may cause loss of life or damage to certain structures, the dam is subject to the department's jurisdiction.
Current Status:
 Law Enacted
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