Michigan Compiled Laws, Chapter 324. Natural Resources and Environmental Protection § 324.31506

Sec. 31506. (1) Except as otherwise provided in subsections (2) and (3), dams and impoundments in the state are under the jurisdiction of the department.

(2) The following are exempt from this part:

(3) Until January 1, 1998, a permit shall not be required under this part for the repair, reconstruction, or improvement of a dam, a portion of which is at least 75 years old, was damaged or destroyed by an act of God and is located in a county that has a per capita income of less than $8,500.00. However, a person who is performing a project for the repair, reconstruction, or improvement of a dam that is exempt from obtaining a permit under this subsection shall submit to the department and the joint capital outlay committee plans and specifications for the project. These plans and specifications shall be prepared by a licensed professional engineer and shall meet acceptable standards in the industry in order for a dam to be repaired, reconstructed, or improved. In reviewing plans and specifications for the project, the joint capital outlay committee may recommend environmental considerations to protect water quality such as underspill devices, minimum flow releases and removal of contaminated sediments that may be resuspended in the water column upon impoundment. Such contaminated sediments shall be disposed of in accordance with state law.