Michigan

Great Lakes, Great Michigan: 2007 Platform

While new laws began regulating large quantity water withdrawals, which are defined as withdrawals over 100,000 gallons per day over any 30 day period, these laws have weaknesses.

We propose the Great Lakes, Great Michigan 2007 platform to overcome these weaknesses and accomplish two important things:

  • bring Michigan into compliance with the Compact, and
  • improve implementation of the Compact in Michigan by strengthening our state laws.

Public Trust Extends to All Water.
Enact a law clearly articulating that the Public Trust Doctrine applies to not only surface waters used for fishing, commerce, and navigability, but also to wetlands, streams and ground water resources vital to the health and economy of our society and ecosystems. Water that is sold and transferred to areas outside the Great Lake(s) basin shall be considered a diversion, unless authorized by the legislature. Water packaging and sale facilities must meet a public trust test.

Prevent Adverse Impacts to Michigan's Water and Wetlands.
Expand the definition of an adverse resource impact to go beyond characteristic fish populations and include impairment or impacts to groundwater, wetlands, private riparian assets, and ecosystem health. Ecosystems function as a unit; their health depends upon the symbiotic relationships of the resources included and none of them are up for grabs.

Meaningful Conservation.
In light of the uncertainty presented by such factors as drought or climate change, and to ensure that Michigan's work to adopt the Compact is seen by other Compact parties as being compliant and enduring, it is appropriate to have legislative language requiring the development of a meaningful conservation program, with goals and objectives and evaluation of the accomplishment of the goals.

Permitting.
Require all permit applications to include a complete hydrogeological study and assessment of the water source, including FOIA. If multiple wells/pumps are involved, evaluate the aggregate impact of the operation and issue permits and licenses based on the operation aggregate, not per well/pump.

Community Involvement.
Elevate the level of community involvement and public participation in water use decisions, making sure citizens have adequate time to thoughtfully review complicated data required for licensing and permitting. Local actions and decisions reflect the pressures of neighborhoods and communities; these voices must figure prominently in the implementation of any decisions affecting water use. Ensure that regulations or ordinances by local governments are not prohibited if more stringent and tied to protecting wells and the flows and levels of streams, lakes, and wetlands.

Investment into Michigan's Waters through Restoration Initiatives.
All permit holders must take part in a restoration initiative that is real rather than speculative, and quantifiable rather than vague. Require waters of the state used by permit and license holders to be returned to the sub-watershed of origin, minus that which is consumed.

Take the next step: learn more about what you can do to help protect Michigan's water resources and fight climate change or take action immediately.