State Rep. Doug Wozniak on Tuesday announced his plan to impose penalties on counties that overflow sewage and other substances into public waterways. Violators could face fines of up to $1 million per month should the violations continue without remedy.

Wozniak introduced the legislation in response to an ongoing dispute between Oakland and Macomb Counties. After heavy rains, Oakland County discharges combined sewage and rainwater into the Red Run Drain, which flows into the Clinton River and then Lake St. Clair.

“No county should be dumping its waste onto another county, especially when the dumping practice is a direct result of blatant mismanagement,” said Wozniak, R-Shelby Township. “It should go without saying that no county should be treated as a dumping ground by another. My home in Macomb may be most affected by this issue now – but this legislation would prohibit these disgusting practices from occurring across Michigan.”

Last year, Wozniak called for the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (DEGLE) to withhold approval of a pending discharge permit renewal application submitted by Oakland County until it agreed to separate its current combined sewage system and eliminate its discharge practices.

Oakland County’s discharge permit expired in 2023. However, state law allows it to continue operating its wastewater treatment system under the expired permit until DEGLE approves or denies its pending application for a new one.

Under Wozniak’s bill, a county must submit a discharge reduction plan to DEGLE after the first violation. At a minimum, the plan must include a 50% reduction in discharge volume over five years. The state may impose a monthly fine of up to $1 million if the department rejects the proposal or the county fails to implement its plan.

“Sporadic weather conditions, including heavy rains for days on end, are not uncommon in Michigan,” Wozniak said. “When unforeseen circumstances arise, the water has to go somewhere. But that doesn’t mean a county should make it a habit to dump its waste into public waterways. With this plan, we’re trying to stop another county from developing the same dangerous habits Oakland has become so unwilling to shake.”

The legislation will soon be referred to a House committee for further consideration.

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