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SB 300

Environmental protection: sewage; onsite wastewater treatment systems; regulate and provide for assessments and evaluations. Amends 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.1101 - 333.25211) by adding secs. 12815, 12817 & 12829.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Rosemary Bayer and 7 co-sponsors

Michigan bill establishes state assessments and oversight standards for septic systems to protect groundwater and public health in rural communities without municipal sewers.

referred to Committee on Government Operations
#environmentalprotection:sewage #environmentalprotection:waterpollution #health:localhealthdepartments
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Bill Summary · SB 300

Legislative bill overview

SB 300 amends Michigan's public health code to establish new regulatory requirements for onsite wastewater treatment systems (septic systems). The bill adds provisions for assessments, evaluations, and oversight of these systems, which serve properties not connected to municipal sewer systems.

Why is this important

Onsite wastewater systems affect approximately 1.2 million Michigan residents who rely on septic tanks instead of municipal sewers, particularly in rural and suburban areas. Poorly maintained systems can contaminate groundwater and surface water, creating public health and environmental risks. Establishing clear state standards and assessment protocols aims to prevent system failures and protect drinking water sources.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory burden on homeowners: New assessment and evaluation requirements may impose costs on property owners, particularly affecting low-income rural residents who cannot easily access municipal sewer infrastructure
  • Implementation and enforcement clarity: The bill's specific assessment standards, timelines, and enforcement mechanisms are not detailed in this summary, raising questions about consistency and local government capacity to implement
  • Private property rights concerns: Expanded state oversight of onsite systems may be viewed as government intrusion into private property management, though public health protection is the stated rationale

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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