Page 192 - MFB State Annual Meeting 2018 -- RESOLUTIONS BOOK
P. 192
State Policies – Page
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and retention of maintenance exemption.
Drainage structures excluded from being regulated wetlands.
Exemption for established and on-going farming operations.
Wetlands will not be regulated if they are less than five acres and their only connection to an inland lake or stream is an agricultural drain.
Exemption for cutting of woody vegetation and in- place stump grinding within a wetland.
Creation of blueberry general permit with permitting flexibility, including mitigation and a blueberry assistance program.
Exemption for construction of livestock crossings. Exemption for construction of livestock fencing associated with grazing.
Temporarily obstructed drains are not regulated as wetlands.
Declaration that DEQ delegated authority is limited to application of the Clean Water Act, associated rules, or court decisions. Any further regulation is the responsibility of the Michigan Legislature.
If EPA withdraws Michigan’s federally delegated authority for Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, Michigan’s wetland law will be repealed within 160 days.
We support the regulation of a wetland if it meets the same criteria as based on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ 1987 Delineation Manual and Regional Supplements.
The DEQ has completed the wetland inventory throughout the State. Michigan Farm Bureau is concerned the inventory includes wetlands that do not meet the new wetland delineation standards. The inventory should not be used for regulatory purposes.
We recommend the following:
Compatible agricultural uses should be allowed in wetlands. Wetland vegetation should be defined as obligate hydrophytes.
There should be no regulation of man-made wetlands or voluntarily established wetlands that serve as conservation practices implemented through state or federal programs.
Allowing application of spoils and sediments to farm fields at agronomic rates in accordance with state and federal requirements if contaminants are present.
County drain commissions be the sole authority with regard to public drainage ditch culverts and maintenance.
