The Oil, Gas, and Minerals Division (OGMD) of the Michigan department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) is tasked with administering the statute and rules subject to Part 615, Supervisor of Wells, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994, PA 451, as amended (NREPA). Michigan's oil and gas regulations are designed to provide excellent protection of the environment, natural resources, public health, public safety, and property, during oil and gas development activities. To date, approximately 60,000 oil and gas related wells have been drilled within the state of Michigan. Staff of the OGMD review permit applications, monitor well drilling operations, and inspect active well sites and production facilities to ensure compliance to Michigan regulations.

The DEQ Oil, Gas, and Minerals Division (OGMD) regulates several mining industries in Michigan including, metallic mining, native copper mining, sand dune mining, and coal mining. The OGMD enforces regulations which address issues such as transportation, storage, treatment, and disposal of ore, waste rock, and plans for mining and reclamation. The mining industries are also regulated by other environmental statutes and divisions within the DEQ such as Air Quality Division and Water Resources Division..

There are also several other important mineral commodities such as gypsum, dimension stone, limestone, and aggregate (gravel pits) that are mined in Michigan but are not regulated by the OGMD. These industries, although not requiring a mining permit from the OGMD, may be subject to federal, state, or local air, water, or land use permits.

Mining Application and Permit Materials

Program Information

Mineral Wells

The Oil, Gas, and Minerals Division (OGMD) of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) administers Part 625, Mineral Wells, of the Natural Resources Environmental Protection Act (NREPA), 1994 PA 451, as amended. This statute and the promulgated rules govern aspects of well location, drilling, operation, plugging, and restoration for solution mining wells, brine production wells, certain types of disposal wells, and test wells associated with mineral exploration and extraction.  Mineral resources such as metallics, limestone, salt, potash, and natural mineral brines are important to many Michigan industries.

The most fragile areas of Michigan's dunes can be protected while balancing the benefits of economic development, multiple human uses and benefits of public access and enjoyment through the protection of steep, erosive slopes, using alternative construction techniques to reduce the impacts of development on dunes, and protecting dune vegetation essential to dune preservation and stability Michigan's critical dune areas are protected. Earthmoving, vegetation removal, and construction activities within a critical dune area are regulated through a permit program.

This page can be accessed as www.mi.gov/criticaldunes.