May 5, 2004

The Department of Environmental Quality Director, Steven E. Chester, announced today that the DEQ has successfully avoided a backlog in applications for aquatic nuisance control permits, exceeding its commitment for processing permit applications by two weeks. The DEQ had promised permit applicants, lake associations, and lawmakers that permit applications would be processed by May 1, or within 30 working days of receipt of a complete application, whichever is later. The Water Division has already processed permits for more than 1,225 applications received this year.

“We are grateful to Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and the Legislature for authorizing increased fees to support this program,” said Director Chester. “Our success this year demonstrates that when given adequate resources coupled with the will to innovate, we can get the job done.”

Due to a steady increase in the demand for permits and a decrease in agency staffing, there had been significant delays in issuing permits in recent years. In 2003, when the DEQ had half the staff and received more than 1,500 permit requests, the permit backlog was not eliminated until July. The DEQ promulgated revised administrative rules last year to greatly streamline and improve the permitting process. In addition, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and the Legislature authorized an increase in permit application fees and staffing for the program. As a result of these changes, the DEQ is currently more than two months ahead of 2003 in permit issuance.

Aquatic nuisance control permits are required to use chemicals to control swimmer’s itch or nuisance plants in waters of the state. Typically, permit applications are filed with the DEQ during the winter with the expectation that permits will be issued in time to allow most treatments to occur prior to the summer recreation season.

Editor’s note: DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

Revised May 5, 2004 by Pat Watson