Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

Michigan House Bill HB5707

Introduced
3/10/26  
Refer
3/10/26  

Caption

Environmental protection: permits; exemption to permitting requirements for construction of certain residential ponds; provide for. Amends secs. 30103 & 30305 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.30103 & 324.30305).

Impact

The proposed amendments in HB 5707 aim to reduce regulatory burdens on landowners, especially in rural areas where agricultural practices are prevalent. By exempting small-scale pond construction from permitting processes, the bill supports agricultural productivity and land utilization. This is expected to encourage more efficient use of land and water resources while simultaneously preserving the environmental integrity of wetlands by regulating only larger or more impactful projects.

Summary

House Bill 5707 seeks to amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act of Michigan by changing specific permitting requirements related to the construction of certain residential ponds and the maintenance of agricultural drains. The bill proposes that construction of residential ponds covering less than 1 acre for noncommercial use will not require a permit, provided certain conditions are met. This is aimed at simplifying the process for property owners wishing to engage in minor water-related projects without extensive bureaucratic hurdles.

Contention

There may be points of contention regarding the potential environmental impacts of reduced regulatory oversight on wetlands. Opponents may argue that the bill could lead to increased degradation of wetland ecosystems if not properly monitored. Critics may express concerns about the long-term consequences of allowing more construction without the necessary environmental assessments typically required by state regulations, arguing for the necessity of retaining stricter permitting processes to ensure ecological protections are upheld.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MI HB5536

Natural resources: wetlands; definition of wetland; update. Amends secs. 30301, 30307 & 30308 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.30301 et seq.).

MI HB5937

Environmental protection: permits; approval process for certain permits; modify. Amends secs. 1301, 1305, 1307, 3112 & 30307 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.1301 et seq.).

MI HB5938

Environmental protection: permits; revisions of permit applications; limit. Amends sec. 30307 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.30307).

MI HB5502

Natural resources: wetlands; regulation of wetlands; modify. Amend sec. 30305 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.30305).

MI HB5698

Environmental protection: permits; permitting structure for discharge of wash water; provide for. Amends sec. 3112 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.3112). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5699'26

MI SB0579

Natural resources: other; certain fees in the natural resources and environmental protection act; modify. Amends secs. 3104, 3110, 3118, 3120, 4104, 11153, 30104, 30109, 32312 & 32513 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.3104 et seq.).

MI HB5851

Natural resources: wetlands; rare and imperiled wetlands; update. Amends sec. 30301 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.30301).

MI SB0711

Environmental protection: water pollution; water resources protection; modify. Amends sec. 3103 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.3103).

MI HB4192

Environmental protection: permits; groundwater discharge permit requirements; modify. Amends sec. 3122 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.3122).

MI HB5896

Environmental protection: other; requirements for people that use sewage sludge or sewage sludge derivatives in land application to test for PFAS; provide for. Amends secs. 3103 & 3131 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.3103 & 324.3131).

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