LANSING — Sen. Ed McBroom introduced a bill this week that would support private property owners combating shoreline erosion by specifying in the law that a permit is not needed for certain work above the ordinary high-water mark.

“Shoreline issues and concerns have risen along with high water levels in recent months,” said McBroom, R-Waucadeh Township. “Many private property owners in our coastal communities throughout the Upper Peninsula have inquired about what they can do to protect their property and prevent erosion.

“While we appreciate efforts by departments to speed up certain permit reviews, state agencies also need to recognize the times when permits are not required under the law. The last thing property owners need is an overly assertive state government slowing down their work with unnecessary permits that are not needed to solve a very real problem. My bill will ensure bureaucrats stay out of what isn’t their business.”

Senate Bill 1020 would amend existing law to specifically allow dredging, placing sand or soil and constructing seawalls and other shoreline stabilization structures to be done without a permit required by the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) if the work is located above the ordinary high-water mark.

McBroom said the bill was borne out of conversations he and his staff have had with constituents who have encountered issues with EGLE exceeding its statutory authority on the matter.

SB 1020 was referred to the Senate Committee on Environmental Quality for consideration.