In 1998, the U.S. EPA and the Environmental Council of the States (ECOS) entered the State/EPA Agreement to Further Regulatory Innovation (Agreement).  The purpose of the Agreement is to encourage state innovations in environmental regulatory programs, and establish a decision making process for reviewing and implementing these innovations.

The Michigan DEQ has been a leader in pursuing innovations under the Agreement, submitting eight (8) projects.  Seven of these are being implemented, and one is pending.  Presented are the project summaries.

• Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit (SWQD)
• Cooperative Agreements to meet TMDL for phosphorous (SWQD)
• Alternative BACT for Specified Source Categories (AQD)
• Concurrent State and Federal Rulemaking Under the Clean Air Act
• Expedited De-listing of FO19 Waste for Auto Assembly Plants under RCRA (WMD)
• Waiver of Liability for Lending Institutions under RCRA (WMD)
• Use of Flushing to Meet the Federal Lead/Copper Regulation for Non-transient Non-community Water Supply Systems
• Use of Bottled Water as a Corrective Action for Non-Acute Contamination at Existing Non-community Public Water Supplies