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Wetland Local Assistance Pilot Program
In response to amendments to Part 303, Wetlands Protection, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended, that became effective November 6, 2009, the DEQ is implementing a pilot to facilitate the role of local units of government, conservation districts, nonprofit organizations, and wetland professionals in assisting interested persons with complying with Part 303. This includes assistance with completing permit applications, avoiding and minimizing impacts from a proposed project, using best management practices in a proposed project, and otherwise complying with the requirements of Part 303. This pilot does not include regulatory decision making or other administration of Part 303. The goals of the pilot include increasing the efficiency of the permitting process through better utilization of all available resources, including DEQ staff, while protecting the wetlands of the state. The pilot will end on October 1, 2012. The DEQ and those participating in the pilot will coordinate throughout the pilot project to help evaluate the effectiveness of this form of local landowner assistance and report to the Wetland Advisory Council on program results and recommendations by April 1, 2012.
The DEQ requested and received proposals for participation, provided public review and comment, and designated the following organizations and locations for the pilot program:
These organizations offer a range of assistance, from outreach and education to assistance with permit applications to on-site reviews of proposed projects. Assistance will not include regulatory decision making or other administration of Part 303.
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