Coal ash disposal sites would need permits and licenses

Operators would need state construction permits to establish covered coal ash sites and licenses to operate them. The rules would cover landfills and waste-holding basins for coal waste from electric utilities and independent power producers. Reuse that meets the bill's rules, placement in coal mines, and municipal solid waste landfills would be excluded. Waste generated mainly from other fuels would be excluded unless coal exceeds 50% under the bill's heat or weight test. An operating license would also be required before disposing of coal waste at a covered site.

Michigan's environment department would publish notices about covered coal ash sites' license applications and draft decisions. Residents could review the complete applications and draft decisions. A public meeting would require an applicant's or municipality's written request, or a department finding that a meeting is appropriate, within 15 days of notice. Application comments would remain open for at least 45 days after notice. Draft-decision comments would remain open for 45 days after notice.

Michigan's environment department would require an approved groundwater monitoring program and its results before issuing an operating license. This requirement would apply to operating licenses for covered coal ash landfills and waste-holding basins. Testing would have to accurately measure hazardous substances and other required indicators. Operators could not filter groundwater samples in the field before laboratory testing.