A Bi-Weekly Publication  Friday October 7, 2005         The MWAC Newsletter is being distributed early this week as I will be at the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration meeting in Rochester, New York.    In This Issue: ·         SEPTIC SYSTEM LEGISLATION ·         MORE ADVANCED WETLAND WORKSHOPS OFFERED ·         DEQ RESTORATION POLICY WORK GROUP ·         GREAT LAKES REGIONAL COLLABORATION MEETING THIS WEEK   BILL UPDATE: FINALLY A GOOD ONE Senator Patricia Birkholz introduced SB 71 on January 25, 2005, that would require county septic system inspections and approvals before any real property can be transferred. The bill would also require the Department of Environmental Quality to develop a model county ordinance establishing standards for septic systems, and appropriates $5 million to reimburse counties for the inspections and other activities related to this expanded regulation. Local government through zoning ordinances is responsible for preserving the character, water quality, and safety of the community and visitors.  Currently, only 7 counties in Michigan require a septic system inspection prior to the sale of property.  This bill would safeguard our water resources and recognizes the importance of local zoning in accomplishing this goal. SB 71 was referred to the Senate Natural Resources & Environmental Affairs Committee and is on the agenda for October 6, 2005.  You can read SB 71 as introduced. Contact your Senator and Representative today and urge them to support SB 71. ADVANCED LOCAL WETLAND WORKSHOPS OFFERED   In addition to the workshops listed in the last newsletter, there are also workshops in Southeast and Central Michigan.   The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and East Michigan Environmental Action Council (EMEAC) are offering half-day workshops to help you get answers to questions about adopting and implementing local wetlands protection programs.  Associate law professor Gerald Fisher will discuss issues that frequently occur as part of local wetlands protection.    Workshop Locations:   October 26, 1:00-5:00 City of Rochester Hills Municipal Offices 1000 Rochester Hills Drive   November 2, 1:00-5:00 Washington Street Education Center Chelsea   For more information, contact EMEAC at (248) 258-5188; or Libby Harris at esh324@comcast.net.   Registration fee is $35 per person for each workshop.  Please register by October 15, 2005.   This event is made possible through the support of East Michigan Environmental Action Council, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency.   DEQ/DNR RESTORATION POLICY WORKGROUP   A DEQ/ DNR Restoration Policy Workgroup was initially formed to work with stakeholders on a proposed fee package for wetlands and inland lakes and streams.  Despite the fact that the fee package is not going forward in the Legislature, the DEQ is still committed to continue the workgroup in order to promote and facilitate restoration efforts.  The workgroup will continue to meet to analyze state regulatory review processes and provide recommendations that will encourage ecological restoration in Michigan while maintaining an effective regulatory program that protects existing aquatic habitats and avoids unintended adverse impacts.      GREAT LAKES REGIONAL COLLABORTAION MEETING   The Great Lakes Regional Collaboration Executive Committee and strategy teams are meeting October 6-7, 2005 in Rochester, New York.  We are gathering to discuss the comments received during the public comment period and finalization of the restoration action plan which is to be released December 12, 2005 in Chicago, Illinois.                Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council 426 Bay Street , Petoskey, Michigan 49770 Phone: (231) 347-1181 x 114 Fax: (231) 347-5928 Email: mailto:grenetta@watershedcouncil.org  Web: http://www.michiganwetlands.org/