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HELP STRENGTHEN “BEACH GROOMING” PERMITS - COMMENTS DUE MAY 6
As a reminder, the Michigan Department
of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) has public noticed a new general
permit to address shoreline management or “beach grooming” activities
as they are more infamously known.
Make your voice heard - provide comments
to the DEQ so we can strengthen the proposed permit to protect our
coastal wetlands.
The effort of the DEQ to bring shoreline
management activities into the permitting process is a good first
step. The permit process for such activities is essential to limit
adverse impacts to Great Lakes
coastal wetlands and for effective enforcement of violations.
However, the proposed new General Permit for Limited Great Lakes
Shoreline Management Activities does not limit the scope of
activities to ensure that significant adverse impacts are
minimized.
However,
reasonable modifications can be made to the proposed General Permit
including:
- The amount of sand
relocated by leveling needs to have a maximum limit of 25 cubic
yards per lot. Without a limit, the amount of substrate that can
be moved could be extremely large and result in significant
negative impacts.
- The amount of sand
to be disturbed by raking, dragging, or pulling (i.e. grooming)
needs to be limited to 25 cubic yards (maximum) per lot.
- The amount of fill
for construction of a path needs to be limited to 25 cubic yards
of material for a path 6 feet in bottom width and 50 cubic yards
for a path 12 feet in bottom width.
- The provision
allowing mowing of previously mowed areas needs to be removed
from the General Permit categories. Allowing mowing of previously
mowed areas in Saginaw Bay and Grand
Traverse Bay is inequitable for a statewide permit
providing preferential treatment to a few vocal self
interests. More
importantly, the potential adverse impacts of this provision are
quite significant.
Written comments on the Proposed General
Permit Category must be received by May 6, 2007 and should be sent to:
Ms. Peg Bostwick
Michigan Department of Environmental
Quality
Land and Water Management Division
P.O. Box 3045
Lansing, MI
48909-7958
bostwicp@michigan.gov
Click here to view the MDEQ
proposed new General Permit for Limited Great Lakes Shoreline
Management Activities.
PUBLIC NOTICE ON REISSUANCE OF DEQ WETLAND
GENERAL PERMITS CATEGORIES
The DEQ has also issued a public notice for
re-issuance of wetland General Permit Categories. Michigan’s Wetland Protection Act
authorizes the DEQ to issue General Permits for activities that are
similar in nature, will cause only minimal adverse environmental
affects when performed separately, and will have only minimal
cumulative adverse effect on the environment. General Permits are issued for a
five-year period and the current Wetland General Permit Categories
expire on June 14, 2007. Therefore, the DEQ has proposed re-issuance
of the Wetland General Permit Categories.
Written comments on the Proposed
Re-Issuance of General Permit Categories must be received by May 4, 2007 and should be
sent to:
Ms. Peg Bostwick
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
Land and Water Management Division
P.O. Box 3045
Lansing, MI
48909-7958
bostwicp@michigan.gov
Click here to view the MDEQ
proposed re-issuance of Wetland General Permit Categories
BUDGET WOES THREATEN MICHIGAN’S WETLANDS
The state is facing a $3 billion shortfall in
revenue. State programs
and services have already been reduced by $4 billion since 2001,
and additional cuts are projected for fiscal year 2008. Michigan’s water resources are one
of the many casualties of these cuts.
As the Legislature continues to grapple with the 08 budget,
they must hear from you that protection of our water resources is imperative.
Make your voice heard to ensure Michigan’s wetlands are
protected!!!
Since the
passage of many of our environmental protection laws, such as the
Wetlands Protection Act and Lakes and Streams Act, Michigan taxpayers have shouldered
the majority of the cost of these regulatory programs. However, in recent years there has
been a shift and taxpayer contributions to the DEQ’s budget from Michigan’s
General Fund have dropped significantly. Budget cuts and, subsequently staff
reductions, over the past years have reduced the DEQ’s ability to
uphold the public trust and protect our natural resources. In order to maintain the integrity
of these vital programs, the DEQ budget must be increased. Given that everyone shares in the
benefits, both ecological and economical, that come from protecting Michigan’s
lakes, rivers, and wetlands, it makes sense that everyone should
share the cost of these programs through General Fund contributions
to maintain our environmental protections.
The
Michigan Legislature and the Governor hold a responsibility to the
citizens of Michigan
to ensure that the programs which provide essential protections to
our water resources are enhanced and maintained. In order for the DEQ to live up to
its commitment, the legislature must provide adequate resources. Providing adequate resources
through increased General Funds to the DEQ is an investment in Michigan’s most treasured resources–the Great Lakes and our inland lakes, rivers, and
wetlands.
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