Permit applications under Part 301, Inland Lakes and Streams, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act 1994 PA 451, as amended, must be submitted to the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Land and Water Management Division (LWMD), Permit Consolidation Unit (PCU) on the proper form along with the proper application fee.   Upon making a determination that the application is complete, PCU staff will forward it to the appropriate district office for an on-site inspection and decision.

Decisions on inland lakes and streams permit applications are based on the DEQ's review of the proposed project in light of the criteria in Part 301 and associated administrative rules.   In general, the applicant must show the project will not adversely affect the public trust or riparian rights.   The DEQ also considers any public comments that have been received prior to making a permit decision.

The DEQ may approve a permit application, request modification to an application, or deny an application.   Decisions on permit applications can be appealed by contacting the Office of Administrative Hearings in writing within 60 days of the permit decision and requesting a formal hearing. 

A joint state and federal permit process has been established between the DEQ and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for proposed projects in areas which have both state and federal jurisdiction. The LWMD will determine whether a permit application requires joint state and federal review, and when appropriate, will forward these permit applications to the USACE Detroit office for federal permitting review. 

For additional information on permit applications, you may contact the PCU by telephone at 517-373-9244 or by sending e-mail to DEQ-LWM-PCU@michigan.gov.

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