All projects involving the application of materials to waters of the state for water resource management purposes require a Rule 97 Certification of Approval from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).

Rule 97 of the Michigan Water Quality Standards states: "The application of materials for water resources management projects pursuant to state statutory provisions is not subject to the standards as prescribed by these rules, but all projects shall be reviewed and approved by the commission before application."

Water resource management projects covered by Rule 97 include, but are not limited to: the treatment of lakes using bacterial augmentation products, and tracer dye studies for mixing zone mapping, time of passage studies, and discharge studies (including illicit discharge identification and elimination activities).  For projects other than bacterial augmentation or tracer dyes (e.g., phosphate binders), see the Individual Rule 97 Certification of Approval.

As of the 2012 season, mosquito control projects are no longer covered by Rule 97 Certifications. These activities may require authorization under a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. View the mosquito control information.