February 2, 2005, Introduced by Reps. Farhat and Gosselin and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, Great Lakes, Land Use, and Environment.
A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled
"Natural resources and environmental protection act,"
(MCL 324.101 to 324.90106) by adding section 76111a.
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN ENACT:
Sec. 76111a. (1) The department of environmental quality shall
establish Great Lakes recreational diving preserves within the
Great Lakes to provide recreational scuba diving opportunities for
members of the general public.
(2) The department of environmental quality shall not
establish a Great Lakes recreational diving preserve at the same
location as a Great Lakes bottomland preserve.
(3) A nonprofit organization or other person may nominate 1 or
more locations for the establishment of a Great Lakes recreational
diving preserve by submitting a proposal in writing to the
department of environmental quality.
(4) Upon establishing a Great Lakes recreational diving
preserve, the department of environmental quality shall authorize
the sinking of 1 or more vessels within the preserve that will
enhance the recreational scuba diving experience for individuals
visiting the preserve. However, the department of environmental
quality shall only authorize the sinking of a vessel within a Great
Lakes recreational diving preserve if the vessel has been
decommissioned in such a manner that it will not cause adverse
environmental impacts. The person or persons sinking a vessel
within a Great Lakes recreational diving preserve shall comply with
the "Intentional Vessel Sinking Guidelines, Final Report" prepared
by maritime research associates, inc. for the Michigan underwater
preserve council, inc.
(5) In establishing Great Lakes recreational diving preserves,
the department of environmental quality shall consider both of the
following:
(a) The extent of local public and private support for the
creation of the preserve.
(b) The interest of nonprofit organizations or other persons
in obtaining, decommissioning, and sinking 1 or more vessels within
the preserve.