WHEREAS, Article V, Section 1 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 vests the executive power of the State of Michigan in the Governor;

WHEREAS, Section 1 of 1931 PA 195, MCL 10.51, authorizes and empowers the Governor, at such times and for such purposes as the Governor deems necessary or advisable, to create special advisory bodies consisting of as many members as the Governor
deems appropriate;

WHEREAS, the State of Michigan is blessed with an abundance of fresh water, including 3,251 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, 36,350 miles of streams and rivers, and over 11,000 inland lakes;

WHEREAS, Michigan’s lakes and streams are of exceptional quality when compared to the rest of the nation and are undoubtedly among the state’s most valuable resources;

WHEREAS, because the Department of Environmental Quality is charged with monitoring and protecting water quality in Michigan’s lakes and rivers, the Department has established water quality monitoring and assessment programs, including volunteer monitoring programs for inland lakes and streams;

WHEREAS, the Department of Environmental Quality has developed a Strategic Environmental Quality Monitoring Program for Michigan’s Surface Waters;

WHEREAS, Michigan citizens need to play an active role in protecting the state’s water resources;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, pursuant to the powers vested in me by the Michigan Constitution of 1963 and Michigan law, order the following:

I. MICHIGAN CLEAN WATER CORPS

A. The Michigan Clean Water Corps (“Corps”) is created as an advisory body to the Department of Environmental Quality (“DEQ”). The Corps shall assist the DEQ in carrying out is mission to preserve and protect Michigan waters from impairment or destruction.

B. The primary responsibility of the Corps shall be to assist the DEQ in establishing a comprehensive statewide volunteer water quality monitoring network, built on the foundation of volunteer monitoring programs already established by the DEQ, and to encourage the participation of other water quality monitoring programs in the Corps.

C. The Corps shall:

1. Solicit and organize volunteer monitors into a volunteer monitoring network to facilitate communication, data and information sharing, common methods, and quality assurance practices.

2. Advise and assist the DEQ in educating Michigan citizens about water quality issues and the need to foster exemplary environmental stewardship.

3. Advise and assist the DEQ in gathering and exchanging reliable and meaningful water quality data for water resources management and protection programs at the state and local level.

4. In cooperation with the DEQ establish an Internet-based program to assist Corps participants, including an enrollment registry, directory of member organizations, a data exchange platform, volunteer monitoring resources, training aids, and a newsletter.

5. Develop a volunteer monitoring recognition program with a Certificate of Recognition for each member organization and a Certificate of Participation for each volunteer member.

II. OPERATIONS OF THE CORPS

A. The Director of the DEQ or his or her designated representative shall serve as Chairperson of the Corps.

B. The Corps shall be staffed by personnel from and be assisted by the DEQ.

C. The DEQ may adopt procedures for the Corps, not inconsistent with Michigan law and this Order, governing its organization and operations. The DEQ may establish Corps committees and request public participation on advisory panels as it deems necessary.

D. In developing recommendations, the DEQ or the Corps may, as appropriate, make inquiries, studies, or receive comments from the public. The DEQ may consult with outside experts in order assist the DEQ and the Corps in the performance of their duties.

E. The DEQ may hire or retain such contractors, sub-contractors, advisors, consultants and agents, and may make and enter into contracts necessary or incidental to the exercise of powers and the performance of duties under this Order as the Director of the DEQ deems advisable and necessary, in accordance with the relevant statutes, rules, and procedures of the Civil Service Commission and the Department of Management and Budget.

F. The Corps may accept donations of labor, services, or other things of value from any public or private agency or person.

G. The DEQ shall coordinate legal, legislative, and media contacts regarding the Corps.

III. MISCELLANEOUS

A. All departments, committees, commissioners, or officers of this state or of any political subdivision of this state shall give to the DEQ or to any member or representative of the DEQ, any necessary assistance required by the DEQ, or any member or representative of the DEQ, in the performance of the duties of the DEQ or the Corps under this Order, so far as is compatible with its, his, or her duties. Free access shall also be given to any books, records, or documents in its, his, or her custody, relating to matters within the scope of inquiry, study, or investigation of the DEQ or the Corps.

B. The invalidity of any portion of this Order shall not affect the validity of the remainder the order.
This Order is effective upon filing.

Given under my hand and the Great Seal of the State of Michigan this 30th day of September, 2003.

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Jennifer M. Granholm
GOVERNOR

BY THE GOVERNOR:

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SECRETARY OF STATE