A Bi-Weekly Publication Friday December 30, 2005

In This Issue: · RAPANOS “VERY HOPEFUL” AS SUPREME COURT DATE NEARS · DEQ WEBSITE HELPS USERS UNDERSTAND PERMITTING PROCESS · HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE NEW YEAR SUPREME COURT DATE ON FATE OF WETLANDS PROTECTION NEARS On February 21, 2006 at 10 a.m., the Supreme Court will hear two cases that question federal authority to regulate wetlands that are not directly connected to navigable waters. In the case of John Rapanos v. United States, a Michigan landowner is facing jail time and millions of dollars in fines for destroying wetlands on his property. At issue is whether Rapanos violated the federal Clean Water Act by filling wetlands on his property during the 1980s. As the court date appears, Rapanos is elated to be before the nation’s highest court and “very hopeful that we will win.” Despite Rapanos claim that environmentalists and the DEQ have been ‘“trying to ruin me”’, he might not have undergone a situation that has cost him ‘“a couple million dollars” and many “lost opportunities”’ had he complied with regulations in the first place. Look for updates on this critical court case in future MWAC Newsletters. DEQ UPDATES WEBSITE TO HELPS PUBLIC WITH PERMITTING PROCESS The Department of Environmental Quality recently updated a section of its website designed to assist the general public and regulated community in learning more about the various DEQ permitting programs. The Environmental Permits, Licenses, and Certifications Web page can be accessed by simply selecting “Permits” from the top menu bar of the DEQ homepage (www.michigan.gov/deq). Interested parties can find relevant permit programs for their business activities by reviewing the Permit Information Checklist found on the permit page. In addition, new businesses should review the Frequently Asked Questions which will help small businesses understand what permits they may need, and how they can apply for them. A link to the recently updated DEQ Permit & Licensing Guidebook is also available which provides a comprehensive summary of all DEQ permitting and licensing requirements. From the Web page, direct links are also provided which allow users to access permit information by category (air, land, waste, water, etc.), as well as relevant DEQ Permit Program Web pages where additional information is available. If you are interested in learning more about citizen involvement opportunities related to permits, review the DEQ Public Involvement Handbook, A Citizens Guide. This guide can be found under the link “Improve your input into DEQ Permit Processes,” or by calling the Environmental Assistance Center at 1-800-662-9278. HAPPY NEW YEAR As the new year rings in, a saying to always remember….. “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” -Margaret Mead

Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council 426 Bay Street , Petoskey, Michigan 49770 Phone: (231) 347-1181 x 114 Fax: (231) 347-5928 Email: jenniferm@watershedcouncil.org Web: http://www.michiganwetlands.org/