From the 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.
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.
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.
Rick Throop MSTA President
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.
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.
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
Thank you MSTA Annual Conference Sponsors
MSTA FALL MEETING SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11 AT NATIONAL VACUUM EQUIPMENT IN TRAVERSE CITY
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 TO FIND MORE INFORMATION
◼ Learn about MiEHDWIS
◼ Get help from Knowledge Base Articles and FAQs
◼ Watch tutorial videos on how to upload documents.
REQUEST ACCESS SIGN UP TO TAKE THE FIRST STEPS
◼ Sign up for a MiLogin for Business account.
◼ Request access to MiEHDWIS.
◼ 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
SUBMIT FILE S/ REQUESTS UPLOAD DIRECTLY TO EGLE
◼ Submit documents and files , such as receipts, construction permit applications and more directly to EGLE.
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 activitie s, 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.
Therese E. SchroeckRhineberger,
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.
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.
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.
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.
She is predeceased by her parents and a brother Harold Schroeck, Jr.
Introduce your customers to simple septic financing
The Septic Replacement Loan Program
The Septic Replacement Loan Program , created in partnership with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and Michigan Saves, provides low-interest financing to Michigan homeowners for the replacement of failing or nearfailing septic systems and connections to municipal sewer.
Becoming a Michigan Saves authorized septic installation contractor is simple. Give your customers accessible financing to replace their septic systems and invest in the sustained comfort of their homes.
(continued
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
(continued on page 20)
advocate. educate. collaborate. |
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%.
Copyright 2023 Capitol Group Consultants LLC
