Laura A. Esman from the DEQ has been kind enough to respond to some of the Frequently Asked Questions concerning weed control and dredging.  These were answered in an email exchange between Ms. Esman and our own Chuck Pendleton in April 2002.

Q:  Is there any restrictions on individual riparian spraying for algae or for weeds?  If so - what is the reference document?

A:  Chemical treatment of algae and aquatic plants is regulated under the Public Health Code, 1978 PA 368, as amended.  It doesn't matter if you as a group hire an applicator to spray or you as an individual property owner want to treat beside your dock, a permit from the DEQ is required.  The only exemption is if the water body you are proposing to treat is under single ownership, less than 10 acres, and does not have an outlet.
 
Any riparian has the right to treat their own property as long as they have a permit.  The only problem would be if someone wants to use a restricted use pesticide (the only one currently is Reward, diquat dibromide).  In order to use a restricted use pesticide, the person applying the chemical must be certified through the Department of Agriculture.  You may still use this on your property.  It just means that you must go through the certification process.

 
 Because you are asking questions regarding individual treatments, I must tell you that there are 3 House Bills that have been introduced that, if passed, will take this right away from property owners and will require that you hire a licensed applicator.  If you are interested, the House Bills are 5958, 5959 and 5960 and are available on www.michiganlegislature.org/law/ for your review.
 

Q:  Are there any restrictions on dredging in front of our own property - supporting document?

A:  There are restrictions on dredging your own property.  As with chemical treatment, you must obtain a permit to dredge from the DEQ under Part 301, Inland Lakes and Streams, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended.  If it is in a wetland area, a permit would be needed under Part 303, Wetlands Protection, of the NREPA, as amended.

Q: Weed removal in front of riparian property - any restrictions and supporting document? 

A:  If riparians are removing plants from their property manually (hand pulling, raking, cutting), it is an activity that is unregulated.

 

Q:  Name of individuals to contact on these issues.

A:  Contacts for the above issues:

 

Chemical control of plants - you may continue to contact me, otherwise there are 2 other analysts (Jeremie Wilson and Eric Bacon) who can help you out.

 

Dredging - contact your DEQ district office which is the Shiawassee Office.  The person covering Livingston County is Tom Kolhoff.  His phone number is 517-625-4638 or e-mail at kolhofft@michigan.gov.

 

Since mechanical removal is not regulated, there is no contact person.
 
 

Last modified: 12/05/03 16:58:24 -0800