MEPA Glossary: Key Terms & Definitions for Developers and Consultants

MEPA Key Terms & Definitions

Administrative Order: An enforcement action taken by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to compel compliance with MEPA or to prevent or mitigate environmental harm.¹

Air Pollutant: Any substance emitted into the ambient air that may cause pollution, impairment, or destruction of air quality, as defined in MEPA.²

Best Management Practices (BMPs): Structural, vegetative, or managerial practices designed to prevent or reduce pollution, impairment, or destruction of the environment, as required under MEPA.³

Circuit Court: The court of general jurisdiction in Michigan, which has the authority to hear cases brought under MEPA for declaratory and equitable relief.⁴

Civil Penalty: A monetary fine imposed by EGLE for violations of MEPA, which can range from $2,500 to $25,000 per day of violation, depending on the specific provision violated.⁵

Declaratory Relief: A legal remedy sought under MEPA to declare the rights and obligations of parties with respect to environmental protection.⁶

Discharge: The addition of any pollutant to the air, water, or land, whether from a point source or nonpoint source, as regulated under MEPA.⁷

Ecological Systems: The interrelated and interdependent components of the natural environment, including air, water, land, and living organisms, which are protected under MEPA.⁸

Environmental Degradation: The pollution, impairment, or destruction of the air, water, or other natural resources, which is prohibited under MEPA.⁹

Equitable Relief: A legal remedy sought under MEPA to compel a party to take specific actions or refrain from certain activities to prevent or mitigate environmental harm.¹⁰

Hazardous Waste: A solid waste that exhibits hazardous characteristics or is listed as hazardous by EGLE, the disposal of which is regulated under MEPA.¹¹

Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE): The primary state agency responsible for administering and enforcing MEPA and other environmental laws in Michigan.¹²

Natural Resources: The air, water, land, and living organisms that are protected under MEPA for the benefit of the public and future generations.¹³

Permit: An authorization issued by EGLE under MEPA to allow certain activities that may cause pollution or environmental degradation, subject to specific conditions and limitations.¹⁴

Pollutant: Any substance that may cause pollution, impairment, or destruction of the environment, as defined in MEPA.¹⁵

Pollution: The presence of any pollutant in the environment that may cause harm to public health, safety, or welfare, or to the environment itself, as defined in MEPA.¹⁶

Public Trust: The legal principle that certain natural resources, such as the Great Lakes and their submerged lands, are held in trust by the state for the benefit of the public and future generations, as recognized under MEPA.¹⁷

Sedimentation: The deposition of soil particles in water bodies or on land, which may cause pollution or impairment of the environment, as regulated under MEPA.¹⁸

Soil Erosion: The detachment and movement of soil particles by water, wind, or other agents, which may cause pollution or impairment of the environment, as regulated under MEPA.¹⁹

Solid Waste: Any discarded material, including garbage, refuse, or sludge, the disposal of which is regulated under MEPA.²⁰

Standing: The legal right of a person or entity to bring an action under MEPA for declaratory and equitable relief to protect the environment.²¹

Toxic Substance: Any chemical or substance that may pose a threat to human health or the environment, the release of which is regulated under MEPA.²²

Violation: Any act or omission that contravenes the provisions of MEPA or the terms and conditions of a permit issued under the Act.²³

Water Pollutant: Any substance emitted into the waters of the state that may cause pollution, impairment, or destruction of water quality, as defined in MEPA.²⁴

Wetland: An area that is inundated or saturated by water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions, the destruction or degradation of which is regulated under MEPA.²⁵