Environmental protection: groundwater contamination; limitation period for filing actions; revise. Amends sec. 20140 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.20140).
Take action
Take a stance or write a position on this measure.
Create an account to take a stance, submit a written position, or contact your legislator.
Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill changes the time limits for filing lawsuits related to groundwater contamination in Michigan. Specifically, it adjusts the deadlines for seeking compensation for response activity costs and natural resources damages, depending on when the contamination occurred and whether the substance was previously considered hazardous. The bill clarifies and retroactively applies certain limitations periods to ensure consistent interpretation of existing environmental laws.
Key provisions
- The time limit to file a lawsuit for response activity costs is 6 years after physical on-site construction begins.
- A subsequent lawsuit for response activity costs can be filed within 3 years of completing all response activity.
- Civil fines must be challenged within 3 years of discovering the violation.
- For contaminants not regulated as hazardous before July 1, 1994, the deadline is 6 years after construction begins.
- For damages accrued before July 1, 1991, the limitation period is July 1, 1994.
Who is affected
- Individuals and businesses affected by groundwater contamination
- The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)
- Potential plaintiffs in environmental lawsuits
Notable changes
- Clarifies and retroactively applies limitation periods for environmental lawsuits.
Bill text
Read the latest version inline or switch to a previous version.
Document of record
- Version
- Senate Introduced Bill
- Published
- Not published in the source record
This version is published only as a document. Open the viewer to read it here, or download the file.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
No sponsors are on record.
Arguments
Reasons offered for and against this legislation.
Arguments in favor
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yours