MI Septic Spring 2025 Newsletter

2025 Spring Newsletter

From the President

Rick Throop MSTA President

With 2025 in full swing and we approach spring, we get warmer weather that I’m sure everyone is ready to see. Watching the snow and mud turn into sun and dust and the weather that is easier to work in, is always something nice to see.

We had some really nice auction items donated by our vendors and of course our great auctioneer, Jeff Hammersmith from Ashland Pump, was there to entertain us and encourage people to bid items up. The banquet is always a lot of fun at the end of a long day.

It was very nice seeing everyone at our Annual Conference and I hope everyone had a good time. Members were able to receive 15 credits if they attended all 3 days of the conference. There were a lot of quality educational sessions as MSTA tries to have something for everyone. There were 270 attendees this year and 31 vendor booths with room for more. MSTA tries to bring more vendors every year so if there is something you would like to see please let our Executive Officer, Karlyn Wickham, know and we will do our best to get them there. In addition, a special shoutout goes to the Annual Conference speakers! If you have any suggestions for speakers for next year, please let us know.

Another exciting change happening with MSTA is our name change. We will continue to use the MSTA acronym but instead of Michigan Septic Tank Association we will be the Michigan Septic Trade Association. This name change gives us a broader audience of individuals and organizations to network with. Also, along with the name change, MSTA will be getting a bold new looking website.

The website address will continue to be MSTA.biz but the look will be completely different. Please check out the new website when you get a chance. A special thank you to Dervin Witmer, owner of Dig-It Excavating and MSTA Secretary, who helped spearhead the change and to Karlyn Wickham, MSTA Executive Officer, for handling the website rebuild. There is a more detailed explanation of the name change later in this newsletter.

The Meet and Greet Reception on Tuesday night went well and a big thanks to Ashland Pump and Southeastern Equipment for sponsoring that event. During Wednesday’s lunch, Jason Spangle, Dervin Witmer, Jeff Hammersmith, and myself recorded a Dirt Bags Podcast which was hosted by Luke Eggebraaten from Phaser Marketing. The Podcast session was definitely entertaining and fun.

A big thank you to engcon and SludgeHammer for sponsoring the Podcast this year!

Wednesday night MSTA held its Annual Banquet which was sponsored by Best Enterprises and Advanced Pump and Equipment.

MSTA New Name pg 8

Lastly, I would like to say thank you to all the MSTA board members and MSTA members for volunteering their time to the association. Without them our Annual Conference and Fall and Spring Meetings would not be as successful as they are and our association would not be what it is today.

Thank You, Rick Throop MSTA President

Newest Board Member pg 11

Legislative Report pg 17

Thank you to everyone who attended the

2025 MSTA Annual Conference

Your participation helped make this year’s event one of the most engaging and valuable conferences we’ve had. From the first session to the final roundtable, the energy, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration were outstanding.

This year’s agenda was packed with relevant, hands-on content.

We covered everything from Septic Pumping and Maintenance to Solid Column Lifting and Air Conveyance. Attendees got insights on Marketing, Best Business Practices, and Business Organization.

Legal issues in the hiring process were also tackled, offering clarity in an area where many business owners face uncertainty. The roundtable discussions gave everyone a chance to share real-world experiences, ask questions, and make connections.

Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned professional, the sessions offered something for everyone. And if you missed this year’s event—mark your calendar now. The 2026 MSTA Annual Conference is scheduled for February 10–12, and it’s shaping up to be even better.

We’re grateful for your time, attention, and the ideas you brought to the table. See you next year.

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Meet your 2025 MSTA Board of Directors President

Directors

Rick Throop

Ryan Carey Sodergren Septic

Woods-Utica Septic Service

Vice President Jason Spangle Esch Septic Service

Secretary Dervin Witmer

Casey Fiedler Michigan Well & Septic Inspections Lynden Johncock Williams and Bay Pumping Services Danielle Gerdes Scott’s Excavating

Treasurer

Randy Redmer Michigan Waste and Environmental Services

Tom Schunk

Chris Sloan Sloan’s Septic Tank Service

Dig-It Excavating

County Wide Septic LLC

Nick Routley Routley’s Inc.

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Thank you 2025 MSTA Conference Vendors A Restroom Trailer Company (ART Company) Advance Pump & Equipment Armal, Inc. Ashland Pump C. A. Cornerstone Verti block Century Chemical Corporation Dig-It Excavating - SludgeHammer Distributor Eljen Corporation General Agency Company Gilbert Sales & Service, Inc Golden Circle Advisors, Inc. Guardian Wastewater Services Imperial Industries, Inc. Infiltrator Water Technologies J & J Portable Sanitation Products Jackel, Inc. Meters, Inc Michigan Saves Milan Supply National Vacuum Equipment NORWECO INC PolyJohn POLYLOK Roth North America Sales Service Plus Southeastern Equipment Company T.A. Gentry Supply Watercore LLC

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Spring 2025

Thank you MSTA Annual Conference Sponsors

MSTA FALL MEETING SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11 AT NATIONAL VACUUM EQUIPMENT IN TRAVERSE CITY

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The Michigan Septic Tank Association is now……

The Michigan Septic Trade Association

The Michigan Septic Tank Association has changed its name to The Michigan Septic TRADE Association. This change is to allow us the flexibility to pivot the new stated purpose of MSTA into serving any septic trade related fields, such as: Design, Installation, O&M, Advanced Treatment, Pumping and Evaluations, as well as Portables, etc. We will continue to pursue the possibility of providing training and education in areas other than pumping as requirements arise and providing this service to our members as well as drawing prospective members.

Our slogan is: Advocate. Educate. Collaborate.

Advocate refers to our ongoing focus on changing legislation or laws that may affect our members, and our promise is to be a voice in our state and within the legislature through monitoring, lobbying and testimony to continue to pursue the best interests and success of our members.

Educate covers the aspect of our organizational focus to train and record continuing education credits and trends for our members.

Collaborate is the activity that we will always foster in all meetings and activities to facilitate strong ties within our membership and to encourage us all to be public health professionals within our communities, business ethics, practices and culture.

The abbreviation for the Michigan Septic Trade Association will still be MSTA. When writing checks to the association you can still use MSTA or change your accounts payable system to Michigan Septic Trade Association.

Below is a sneak peek at the new website

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GET STARTED WITH MiEHDWIS You can upload and submit applications, construction plans and other documents to EGLE with the MiEHDWIS system.

More features and new communication tools will be available as MiEHDWIS continues to expand. Users can look forward to viewing licenses and paying invoices directly on MiEHDWIS in future system releases and Updates.

VISIT Michigan.gov/MiEHDWIS TO GET STARTED! VISIT OUR WEBPAGE

REQUEST ACCESS

S U B M I T F I L E S / R E Q U E ST S

TO FIND MORE INFORMATION

SIGN UP TO TAKE THE FIRST STEPS

UPLOAD DIRECTLY TO EGLE

◼ Learn about MiEHDWIS.

◼ Sign up for a MiLogin for

◼ Submit documents and files,

◼ Get help from Knowledge

Business account.

Base Articles and FAQs.

◼ Watch tutorial videos on how to upload documents.

◼ Request access to MiEHDWIS.

such as receipts, construction permit applications and more directly to EGLE.

◼ Wait for a System Administrator to grant you access.

Please remember to only send documentation once. Documents submitted through MiEHDWIS do not need to be followed up by sending an email or paper copy in the mail.

If you have questions, please reach out to our helpdesk: EGLE-MiEHDWIS@Michigan.gov Michigan.gov/MiEHDWIS

EGLE does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, age, national origin, color, marital status, disability, political beliefs, height, weight, genetic information, or sexual orientation in the administration of any of its programs or activities, and prohibits intimidation and retaliation, as required by applicable laws and regulations.

To request this material in an alternative format, contact EGLE-Accessibility@Michigan.gov or call 800-662-9278.

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Meet MSTA’s Newest Board Member

Nick Routley

I am Nick Routley, a recently elected board member of MSTA. I would like to start by saying I am both humbled and appreciative of all the warm welcomes and support from the members of the association. Out of high school I got my start in the industry working for a friend of the family who owned a drain cleaning business. One year into working with him I discovered my interest in pumping septic tanks. I continued to work for the drain cleaning company and landed a third shift job in order to support my young family and secure my first pump truck in 2010. To many my 1992 international without a dash, heat, or much of a floorboard, was a truck that should have been retired to the scrap yard. But that truck helped build character or tough knuckles from all the times busting them while wrenching on it to keep it going. I operated that truck for 5 years while developing my passion and knowledge for the septic industry. In 2016 my wife and I were blessed with our fourth and youngest child. I also accepted a full time fireman position with the City of Big Rapids where I had been a part time / volunteer for several years. The FD position aligned with my passion for helping others in need and my draw to navigate challanges. Trying to find the new normal of my schedule of 24 hours on and 48 off, I would take my pump truck to work my 24, leave the FD the next morning and head off to pump my list of tanks for two days, then repeat the cycle. I received no shortage of blessing during that time in my life but my family is my number one priority and quality time suffered. I made the decision to leave the FD in 2020 and grow our company. In July of 2020 my wife and I bought a new house as well as a commercial building to operate out of and grow our business.

We added 4 team members offering tank pumping, repairs, and

full system installs. My time and experiences as a professional firefighter developed the importance to me of professionalism in every area of my company Routleys Inc. We continue to grow and have big goals for our future. As we grow it is very rewarding for me to witness personal and financial growth of our members as well. We have been able to offer overtime, paid health insurance options,, paid holidays, paid vacation, and are currently working on rolling out a retirement program with contributions. Currently we operate 5 divisions within our company. Pumping handles all of the tank pumping needs. Excavating consists of system installs, tank replacements, and major repairs requiring large equipment.

Service is tasked with drain cleaning, light repairs, riser installs, pump replacement, and inspections. Portables are up to 90 toilets for long term rentals or event appointments. Farming is responsible for land application at the two sites we own and maintain. While writing this I realize I am way more passionate about my equipment than I am myself because I had a full page and a half listing out and describing all the machines and tools we have added over the years. I figured that wasn’t appropriate so I made the above summary instead. While (as humbly as I can) I recognize I have accomplished alot, I still have a long way to go. I recognize and have seen the positive impact the growth of my company can have on the communities we serve. I am equal parts excited and nervous for this new position on the board. Excited because I am extremely passionate about this industry and the high standards this association is spearheading. Nervous because I am stretching my comfort levels. I am not somebody that is eager or comfortable with public speaking or leading a training class. I realize however a direct correlation to the skills I would like to develop within myself, assisting this organization through training and program coordinating, are the same skills that will help me better lead my own company. As Zig Ziglar said “You can get everything in life you want if you just help enough other people get what they want”.

That’s enough about me. I can’t reflect on my life, the challenges that have been overcome, or the accomplishments without accnoklowledging my superpower. I have had the scales tipped in my favor for what is coming up on half of my life now. Nicole Routley’s isn’t just the trophy wife and mom and the Secretary of Routley’s, Inc, she is the pulse of our company and is at most times the heart beat. If you don’t have a Nicole I’m convinced you’re not reaching your potential. When she took over my cell phone I was still handwriting calls on a nearby scrap piece of paper. She has taken us from that type of unorganized mess to operating two CRM`s and an incredible online and marketing presence. I may be able to work hard and can wear many hats but she’s the MVP. Now that you know a little bit about me, please don’t hesitate to come introduce yourself at one of the meetings. I would love to hear your story and the challenges you’re navigating. If it’s not something we’ve faced, I can call Nicole.

Thank you

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Contact the General Agency Company for more information.

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In Memoriam Therese E. SchroeckRhineberger,

In 2010 she became a trainer for puppies for the Blind Leader Dog Program. It brought her great joy to know that she would be traveling with a puppy that could help make someone independent.

60, of Springboro, passed away Tuesday March 4, 2025 at St. Vincent Hospital in Erie, PA. She was born April 2, 1964 in Erie, Pennsylvania to the late Harold and Margaret (McCallion) Schroeck. She married Ronald Rhineberger who survives.

In addition to her husband, Ron, Therese is survived by; two children; Mackenzie Wheaton and Thomas Wheaton (Kay), two grandchildren; Peyton and Kingsley Wheaton, two sisters; Laura Rawa and Michelle (Dan) Carneval, one brother Jack (Maureen) Schroeck as well as several extended family members and friends.

She is also survived by her long-time business partner, John Schaner and her best friends Jeannine and Sussie.

Since 1992, Therese built a career around helping waste treatment facilities to optimize their dewatering operations across North America. She specialized in Struvite and Vivanite prevention and removal as well. She spoke of many symposiums across the United States over the years to “challenge and inspire” field specialists and municipalities. She was highly respected in the industry.

She is predeceased by her parents and a brother Harold Schroeck, Jr.

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Residential & Commercial

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Spring 2025

valleyfarmssupply.com

2025 MSTA Spring Meeting was a success!

The Michigan Septic Trade Association (MSTA) held its annual Spring Meeting with a solid turnout of 38 attendees from across the state. The event brought together professionals for hands-on learning, networking, and a shared commitment to advancing septic system knowledge and practices.

A big thank you goes to Ron Lindsay from Milan Supply and Jim Felker from Sales Service Plus who led detailed demonstrations on Dosing Pump Chambers, offering valuable insights into setup, operation, and troubleshooting. Their expertise gave attendees a practical look at key system components that often get overlooked.

Nick Routley, MSTA Board Member and owner of Routley’s, Inc. followed with a focused presentation on Hose End Repair and Secondary Filters, sharing useful tips and best practices that attendees can apply directly in the field.

The MSTA also extends a special thank you to Terry Wickenheiser from Serv-All Services for hosting the event. Not only did he provide the space and support for a successful meeting, but he also stepped up to the grill and served up some top-notch burgers and hotdogs that hit the spot.

The Spring Meeting was a great reminder of the value of community in this industry—sharing knowledge, solving problems, and building relationships. Thanks again to everyone who helped make it happen.

The next meeting will take place at National Vacuum Equipment in Traverse City on October 11th, 2025. Online registration will be available on the MSTA Website in early fall.

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Legislative Report

by Bill Lievense, Capitol Group Consultants LLC Proposed Septic Code Legislation Dies In House After months of work and 10 drafts of proposed legislation, bills to amend Michigan’s Public Health Code to establish a statewide septic code died with the end of the 2023-2024 legislative session. Senate versions of the bills (SB 299/ SB 300) passed the Senate but failed to get any action in the House before the legislature adjourned at the end of December, 2024. Expect the bill sponsors to reintroduce the bills in the new 2025-2026 legislative session. Prospects for the bills are unclear with the new Republican majority control of the Michigan House of Representatives.

2023-2024 Legislative Session Ends In Disarray The final days of the 2023-2024 Legislative Session ended in disarray. Republicans boycotted the last session days in December and Democrats were unable to assemble a majority of votes to move legislation passed by the Senate in a 29-hour marathon session.

What Died That Employers Supported: Earned Sick Time Act/Minimum Wage Fixes (HB 6057) (HB 6056) Carbon Capture Underground Sequestration Package (SB 1131-1133) What Died That Employers Opposed: Polluter Pay Environmental Clean Up (SB 605-611) Economic Development Package SB 559-562 and SB 569 Workers Compensation Reform Package (SB 1079 and SB 1080) Identity Theft/Price Gouging (SB 888-892) (SB 954-956) Solid Waste Tipping Fee Increase HB 5333 TNORM Waste Landfill Ban (HB 5923) (SB 1052) Expanded Producer Responsibility (HB 5902) Bill To Allow Local Governments To Set Wage/Benefits (SB 1173 & HB 6218) Legislation To Allow Water Rules (HB 5205) Expansion of Consumer Protection Act To Businesses (SB 1022) Michigan Bottle Law Deposit Expansion (SB 1112) “Dark Stores” Property Tax Legislation (HB 5856-5868) Local Government Stormwater Utilities & Fees (SB 660) Republicans Take Back Control Of House After two years of a Democrat “trifecta” (controlling the House, Senate and Governor’s office) Republicans have taken back the House with a 58-52 majority. Both parties have elected their new leadership for the 2025-2026 legislative session. Republicans have elected Matt Hall as Speaker of the House and Ranjeev Puri as House Minority Leader.

Governor Presents FY 2025-2026 Budget Recommendations On February 5, 2025 Governor Whitmer presented her FY2025-2026 Executive Budget Recommendations totaling $83.5 billion, including a general fund total of $15.3 billion and a school aid budget totaling $21.2 billion.

Governor’s FY 2025-2026 Budget Calls For Increased Solid Waste Tipping Fees Once again Governor Whitmer’s executive budget recommendation for EGLE includes a proposed increase in solid waste tipping fees to generate over $80M. Governor’s “State of State” Address Calls For Expedited Permit Processing & State Licensing Reciprocity On January 15th Governor Whitmer delivered her Road Ahead Address outlining her vision to grow Michigan’s economy and save the auto industry. On February 26, 2025 Governor Gretchen Whitmer delivered her 7th State of the State address in which she outlined her priorities for the next year. One of her key messages was working on expediting and streamlining the regulatory permit and licensing process in Michigan.

Court Issues Opinion On Holding Presentation Of Bills To Governor From Last Session/Stalemate Continues One hundred bills passed by the House in the last days of the 2023-2024 legislative session were not formally presented to the Governor when the session adjourned. This left open the question of the legal status of the bills. In the meantime, new Republican House Speaker Hall has presented most of the 100 bills but held back 9 of the bills from being presented to the Governor. These include controversial pieces of legislation including HB 6058 which would increase the “public employer’s” contribution for employee health insurance premiums. The fate of this and other bills held back is currently under legal review as to what the Michigan Constitution provides. It states that “Every bill passed by the Legislature shall be presented to the governor before it becomes law, and the governor shall have 14 days measured in hours and minutes from the time of presentation to consider it,” but there is no guidance as to when the legislature must present a bill or how “shall be presented” should be interpreted. In a lawsuit filed by Michigan Senate Majority Leader Winner Brinks against House Speaker Matt Hall the Michigan Court of Claims issued an opinion that the Senate had a constitutional right to have the bills presented by the House, but the court would not interfere with the Legislature’s processes out of respect for the branch and its functions. Therefore, there would be no order from the court compelling the House Speaker to present the bills. Speaker Hall maintains last session’s House Speaker failed in his duty to present the bills and there is no requirement for a new speaker in a new legislative session to do so.

Legislature Passes Minimum Wage & Earned Sick Time Changes The Michigan Legislature passed amendments to the 2018 publicly initiated laws covering minimum/tipped wages and earned sick time at the stroke of midnight just ahead of the effective date of the initiated laws on February 21, 20125. Bills addressing both issues were tie-barred requiring both to pass to be enacted. The bills have been signed by the Governor with immediate effect.

Minimum Wage: Both chambers of the legislature passed changes to the 2018 publicly initiated minimum wage law to address concerns about tipped and minimum wages. SB 8 would increase the minimum wage to $15 by 2030 and increase the tipped wage credit to 50% of the minimum wage by 2031.

Earned Sick Time: Around midnight on Thursday, February 20, 2025 Senate Democrats joined Republicans to get the required 2/3 majority for the “immediate effect” of legislation making significant changes to the 2018 Paid Sick Time Act which was scheduled to go into effect Friday February 21, 2025. HB 4002 as enacted makes several changes to the publicly initiated law, but many fundamental components of the original law contested by Republicans remain intact. Below find a few highlights of HB 4002. Small businesses of 10 or fewer employees have until October 1, 2025 to implement Paid Sick Time provisions.

Copyright 2023 Capitol Group Consultants LLC

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(continued from page 17) Small businesses (10 or fewer employees) must provide one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked, up to not less than 40 hours. Employees of small businesses cannot use more than 40 hours in a year unless the employer allows otherwise. As an alternative, small businesses can choose to provide an upfront bank of 40 hours of paid sick time at the beginning of each year instead of calculating hourly accrual of sick time. A small business shall allow the carryover of up to 40 hours of paid sick time to next year.

Large employers must provide 1 hour of paid earned sick time for every 30 hours of work, but an employee cannot use more than 72 hours per year unless the employer provides otherwise. As an alternative, a large employer can provide an upfront bank of not less than 72 hours per year at the beginning of each year for immediate use. A large employer shall allow for the carryover of unused paid sick time to next year not to exceed 72 hours.

Please Note: A provision in Section 3(5) of the bill relieves both small and large employers from the carry-over provisions if they front load paid sick time each year.

Other provisions in the bill address when a new employee earns the right to use paid sick time—120 calendar days after commencing employment.

Special provisions are also made for “part-time employee” hour calculation and banking of paid sick time.

Provisions in Section3 (7)(a) provide for alternative compliance with the new law if an employer has an existing plan that meet prescribed conditions.

Provisions in Section 3 (7)(b) address an employer that is a signatory to a collective bargaining agreement.

Section 4 provides for the allowed uses of paid sick time. Section 4 also provides the required notice for “foreseeable” events not to exceed 7 days and “unforeseeable” as soon as practicable or in accordance with employer’s policy.

Earned sick time may be used in 1-hour increments or the smallest amount employer uses for absences or use of other time.

Employers may request documentation for sick time of more than 3 consecutive days.

Section 5 provides for employee transfers, rehire, separation, etc.

Section 6 addresses employer interference or retaliatory action Section 7 addresses employer violations, enforcement, penalties, etc.

Section 8 addresses employer written notice to employees at time of hiring of earned sick time amounts, etc. and required workplace posters.

Section 12 applies to existing collective bargaining agreements and requires compliance with the Earned Sick Time Act at the beginning of the stated expiration date of the contract.

For further information, answers to Frequently Asked Questions, a webinar recording and required posters please go to: www.michigan.gov/leo, click on the search icon at the top right and enter “earned sick time act” in the search box. Then click enter for the search and you will see several items. The first item is the link to the Earned Sick Time web page.

Governor & Republicans Offer Different Road Funding Plans Governor Whitmer has called for a $3 billion road funding plan that includes a new tax on marijuana, all taxes at the pump going to roads, redirecting $500 million in current spending and a mix of new tax and fee hikes---including an increase in the state’s Corporate Income Tax rate from 6% to 8%. In contrast, Republican House Speaker Matt Hall has announced his own $3.1 billion plan which would not increase taxes, but rely on redirecting existing revenue including large economic development grants to businesses and eliminating the current Michigan Business Tax credits issued to various businesses (HB 4180 to HB 4187). The business community has come out strongly against any proposed increase in the Michigan Corporate Income Tax (CIT).

Unemployment Benefits To Increase Under New Law The Governor has signed legislation (SB 40, HB 5827) expanding unemployment benefits from 20 to 26 weeks and increasing the taxable wage base and weekly benefit from the current $362 to $614 per week. The 70% increase in benefits is expected to cost the employer-funded program an estimated $1.3 to $1.4 billion. The benefit increase will be phased-in over the next three years beginning April 1, 2025 with an increase from $362 to $446, and thereafter on January 1 to $530 in 2026, $530 in 2027 and $614 in 2028. Thereafter the amount will increase with the rate of inflation on January 1, 2028.

Draft Rules For Sewerage Systems Approved By EGLE Draft rules were approved by the Administrative Division of the Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy (EGLE) for sewerage systems. These rules apply to publicly owned treatment facilities and do not directly impact MSTA members. Below is the text from the “Request For Rulemaking” describing the proposes rules purposes.

The general purpose of these rules is to implement the provisions of Part 41, Sewerage Systems of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended (NREPA). Currently wastewater collection systems that discharge to a wastewater treatment facility are operated by individuals that are not certified with a system-specific certification. The proposed rules will require facility classification and a certified operator for collection systems. EGLE is addressing longstanding operation and maintenance issues with collection systems such as breakdowns, blockages, capacity issues, infiltration and inflow, and structural integrity issues. The additional oversight, operation, and maintenance requirements for the collection systems will provide more protection for public health and the environment and assist the receiving wastewater treatment plants to better manage their systems to meet permit requirements.

The proposed retention treatment basin (RTB) facility classification and corresponding operator certification requirement will improve the quality of operation of RTB facilities by focusing operator knowledge on operational situations and processes unique to these types of facilities. Most RTB facilities require operator certification at the Class D level or with industrial wastewater treatment certifications that reflect the waste treatment at those systems. Neither of those certification processes accurately reflect the nature of an RTB facility. The proposed RTB certification will allow those operators to become properly certified with relevant information and continuing education requirements.

Construction permit requirements are being streamlined to better address continuity of service concerns for privately owned, publicly used sewer or sewerage systems. This is currently addressed with WRD Policy and Procedure No. WRD-010, Part 41 – Sewerage Systems Permit Approval, and the process has been somewhat cumbersome for both applicants and WRD staff who process construction permits. The proposed rules will include requirements for such systems and streamline the permit process by setting clear expectations in rule for privately owned, publicly used systems so that they may plan accordingly when submitting applications for Part 41 Wastewater Construction Permits (Part 41 Permit). Additionally, requirements for approval of plan revisions have been updated to be consistent with the statute.

EGLE is proposing to rescind R 299.2972, R 299.2973, and R 299.2974 due to duplicative language that exists in the Administrative Procedures Act, 1969 PA 306, as amended; the administrative rules pertaining to the Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules; and additional rules pertaining to contested cases and declaratory rulings.

Republicans Introduce Bill To Cut Personal Income Tax Rate Representative Kathy Schmaltz has introduced legislation (HB 4170) to cut Michigan’s personal income tax rate from the current 4.25% to 4.05%. The goal is to implement the intent of a 2015 law that provides an automatic reduction in the tax rate if certain metrics are met. Those metrics were met in 2023 and the rate dropped in 2024.

However, Attorney General Dana Nessel opined that the rate rollback provided by the 2015 law was only good for one year and not permanently. Rep. Schmalz’s bill would reduce the rate and clarify the 2015 law.

Democrats Reintroduce FOIA Expansion Copyright 2023 Capitol Group Consultants LLC

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(continued from page 19) Senate Democrats have reintroduced legislation (SB 1 and SB 2) to expand the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to include the Legislature and Governor’s office. The bills are identical to the package that passed the Senate last session but died with the last legislative session.

Democrats Reintroduce Prescription Drug Board Senate Democrats have reintroduced legislation to create an independent state board to reduce prescription drug costs. SB 3, SB 4 and SB 5 create a 5-member Prescription Drug Affordability Board to be appointed by the Governor. A 21-person Prescription Drug Affordability Stakeholder Council would also be created. Similar legislation cleared the Senate last session but failed to pass.

Democrats Reintroduce “Independent Contractor” Definition Bill Senate Democrat Curtis Hertel has reintroduced legislation (SB 6) that would limit the ability of employers to use independent contractors by applying a three-part “ABC Test” to determine whether a worker is an employee or independent contractor. A similar bill died with the last legislative session., Democrats Reintroduce Workers Compensation Reform Bills Senators John Cherry and Mary Cavanaugh have reintroduced legislation (SB 74 & SB 75) to reverse 2011 laws and court precedents in workers compensation cases in favor of employers and support the interests of the trial lawyers.

Governor Signs Final R& D Tax Credit Bills Legislation (HB 5100 & HB 5101) to enact the remaining pieces of a package of bills (HB 4368, HB 5099, HB 5102) establishing a Michigan R&D tax credit has been signed by the Governor. The bills would establish a Research and Development (R&D) tax credit for eligible taxpayers and employers. Taxpayers and authorized businesses with 250 or more employees could claim up to $2.0 million per taxpayer or business, respectively, per year. Taxpayers and authorized businesses with fewer than 250 employees could claim up to $250,000 per taxpayer or business, respectively, per year. Additionally, taxpayers or employers could claim up to $200,000 in additional credit for expenses from collaboration with a research university. The aggregate number of R&D credits could not exceed $100.0 million, and if they did, the Department of Treasury (DoT) would have to prorate the credits as prescribed by the bills. The bills would require the DoT to submit an annual report concerning the effectiveness and operation of the proposed R&D tax credits. The bills take effect 90 days after the end of the legislative session on March 30, 2025. To be eligible for the credits employers must submit a claim to the Department of Treasury on or before April 1, 2026. Draft guidance for the R&D tax credit was out for comment until March 7th.

Economic Development Bills Signed By Governor A package of bills (HB 5651, HB 5652, HB 5653) has been presented to the Governor creating a Michigan Innovation Fund to provide support for investments in qualified evergreen venture funds, qualified emerging evergreen funds, qualified venture capital funds, and qualified start-up support services.

Data Center Tax Exemption Bills Signed By Governor Legislation (SB 237 & SB 238) to exempt data centers from sales and use tax has been signed by the Governor.

MPSC Approves $217.4M DTE Energy Electric Rate Hike The Michigan Public Service Commission announced it approved a $217.4 million electric rate increase for DTE which was about half the $456.4 million the utility had requested.

MPSC Approves $153M Consumers Energy Rate Increase On March 21st the Michigan Public Service Commission announced it issued final order in the Consumers Energy electric rate case (Case U-21585) increasing rates by $153.8 million ------ 52% less than the combined $325 million initially requested by Consumers. The new rates are effective April 4, 2025.

DTE & Consumers Energy Announce Intent To File New Rate Increase Cases Both DTE Energy and Consumers Energy have filed notices of their intent to file new electric rate case applications this year. This follows a final order in the last DTE electric case (U-21534) on January 23. 2025 and a final order in the last Consumers Energy electric rate case (U-21585) on March 21, 2025. DTE announced it will be filing a new electric rate case (U-21860) on or around April 23, 2025. Consumers Energy announced it will be filing a new electric rate case (U-21870) on or after June 2, 2025.

Michigan Nuclear Power Package Clears House Committee A package of bills (HB 41214 to HB 4129) to support and incentivize nuclear energy in Michigan has been favorably reported out of the House Energy Committee. House Bill 4124 would amend the Income Tax Act to provide a credit for taxpayers against the corporate income tax, and a credit for employers against tax withholdings, equal to 15% of the claimant’s qualified research and development expenses incurred in Michigan related to advanced nuclear reactor technologies. House Bill 4125 would create a new act, the Nuclear and Hydrogen Education Grant Program Act, to establish a program for awarding grants to certain postsecondary schools in Michigan that establish or expand educational programs that lead to degrees or credentials supportive of the nuclear and hydrogen industries and that offer scholarships to students who commit to work in those industries after graduation. House Bill 4126 would create a new act, the Nuclear and Hydrogen Education Grant Program Fund Act, which would establish the Nuclear and Hydrogen Education Grant Program Fund in the state treasury. The state treasurer would have to deposit in the fund money and other assets received from any source. The state treasurer would have to direct the investment of fund money and credit the fund with interest and earnings from those investments. House Bill 4127 would amend 1939 PA 3, the enabling act for the Michigan Public Service Commission, to define the term advanced nuclear reactor technologies for purposes of the act. Under the bill, advanced nuclear reactor technologies would mean material improvements to a utilization facility, as defined in 42 USC 2014 and 10 CFR 50.2,1 that has significant improvements, including additional inherent safety features, compared to reactors operating before January 1, 2016, in the United States. Advanced nuclear reactor technologies would include both of the following: • Advanced nuclear reactors, as that term is defined in 42 USC 16271.2 • Existing electricity generating facilities benefiting from research, development, demonstration, and commercialization programs, as described in 42 USC 16272,3 in Michigan powered by nuclear energy that have completed a life cycle management program. House Bill 4128 would amend the Income Tax Act to provide a credit against the corporate income tax (CIT) based on the taxpayer’s sale of electricity generated using small modular nuclear reactors. House Bill 4129 would create the Nuclear and Hydrogen Graduate Attraction and Retention Program Act to provide a grant program for certain postsecondary graduates who are employed at a Michigan facility that uses nuclear or hydrogen technology to generate electricity.

Michigan Carbon Capture Underground Storage (CCUS) Legislation Poised For Reintroduction A Michigan Carbon Capture Underground Storage (CCUS) coalition (the MI Success Coalition) has been holding conference calls (supported by the Michigan Chamber) providing updates on progress with the reintroduction of CCUS legislation that died with the end of the 2023-2024 legislative session. The bills provide a framework for state regulation of carbon capture projects and the delegation of authority for the program from USEPA. Townships Appeal MPSC Order Allowing Override Of Local Control Seventy-five townships have filed an appeal with the Michigan Court of Appeals challenging an MPSC order implementing the portion of the new energy law that allows the MPSC to override local zoning in the siting of large scale renewable energy projects.

Revisions To Energy Assistance Program Enacted A package of bills (SB 353, SB 880, SB 881) changes the eligibility requirements for receiving energy assistance and allows for increases in the Energy Assistance factor up to $2.

MPSC Increasing Funding For Low Income Energy Assistance Program Copyright 2023 Capitol Group Consultants LLC

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(continued from page 20) The MPSC announced it has proposed a funding factor of $1.25 pr meter for the Michigan Low Income Energy Assistance Program. Legislation approved by the Legislature and in 2024 raised the income eligibility threshold for Michigan households to be eligible to receive Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) support and the amount that may be raised for it. Before this year, the maximum that could be assessed per customer was $1 per month, with a cap on total funding raised through the assessment set at $50 million. The legislation signed by Governor Whitmer raises the per-meter assessment to $2 over time. The revamped MEAP also eliminates the total cap on how much annual funding the meter charge can raise. The Commission has proposed setting the funding factor for 2025 at $1.25 per meter — limited to one meter per residential site — and seeks comment from interested persons and organizations. Under the new law, the amount can be raised by 25 cents each year until it reaches the maximum cap of $2 per meter, which may be adjusted for inflation thereafter.

MPSC Establishes Financial Incentive/Penalties For Utility Performance The MPSC announced it has approved a mechanism for financial incentives and penalties for public utilities (U-21400). The MPSC in 2023 launched a Financial Incentives and Disincentives workgroup, part of its MI Power Grid effort, to develop reliability and safety metrics and financial incentives and penalties for utilities to improve performance in keeping the power on and reducing the number and duration of outages.

MPSC Unveils New Public Maps of Utility Service Areas The MPSC announced it has launched a new web page that is a hub for mapping territories for every Michigan energy utility.

MPSC Launching New Monthly Podcast The MPSC announced it will launch a new monthly podcast addressing issues of interest to energy and telecommunications rate payers. The podcast is available on the MPSC “Behind The Meter” webpage.

MPSC Issues Order For Energy Storage Target Implementation (U-21571) The MPSC has issued an order in case U-21571 for the implementation of section 101(1) of PA 235 regarding all providers’ share of the minimum statewide energy storage target of 2,500 MW. MPSC Releases 2024 Annual Report The MPSC announced it has submitted its 2024 Annual Report to the Michigan Legislature. The report itemizes the various programs and rate cases the commission worked on during 2024 in addition to the status of efforts to implement the new 2023 energy law package.

AG Argues In State Court Line 5 Should Be Shut Down Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel gave oral arguments before the Ingham County Circuit Court that Enbridge’s Line 5 should be shut down. The AG had previously successfully argued before the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals that the case belongs in Michigan state court.

EGLE Submits PM 2.5 Designation Plan To USEPA The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy has submitted Michigan’s Recommended Area Designations for the 2024 Annual PM 2.5 National Ambient Air Quality Standard to USEPA. EGLE has recommended Kalamazoo and Wayne Counties be designated as non-attainment.

MiEnviro Portal For Air Goes Live For Permitting The Air Quality Division of EGLE has announced the MiEnviro Portal is now live for air permitting and compliance reporting. All permit applications, compliance reports and documents will now be submitted electronically through MiEnviro.

EGLE Launches New Air Monitoring Dashboard The Air Quality Division of EGLE announced a new air monitoring dashboard (Michigan.gov/MIAir) showing real time air monitoring data. The site provides Air Quality Index data and allows for Air Quality Notifications when the AQI is high.

EGLE Releases 2024 State of the Great Lakes Report The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy announced the release of its 2024 State of the Great Lakes Report.

EGLE Releases Annual Solid Waste Report The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy has released its 2024 Annual Solid Waste Report. The report showed a 5.43% increase in solid waste disposal compared to 2023 and a reduction in imported waste of 1.15%.

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MSTA Facebook Page and YouTube Channel We now have an MSTA Facebook Page, Instagram Page and YouTube Channel. These social media platforms will be your access to industry resources and event information for MSTA Members and the public. See below how you can access and subscribe to these.

Facebook Page: If you have a Facebook account, search Michigan Septic Trade Association and be sure to LIKE the page.

We will be posting links and resources for our members and the public.

Instagram Page: Search for Michigan Septic Trade Association and Click FOLLOW. YouTube Channel: From the Facebook Page you can scroll through the posts to find where you can click on the link to subscribe to our YouTube Channel. You can also go to YouTube.com or your YouTube App and search Michigan Septic Trade Association. Highlights of the 2025 MSTA Annual Conference and speaker presentations are loaded to this channel.