What happens when soil disturbance exceeds five acres in size at an industrial facility?

When soil disturbance at an industrial facility exceeds five acres, it is essential for the operator to submit a Notice of Coverage application to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). This requirement is part of the regulations aimed at managing stormwater runoff and preventing pollution.

The rationale behind this requirement is that significant soil disturbance can lead to increased erosion and sedimentation, which can adversely affect water quality. By requiring operators to submit a Notice of Coverage, regulatory authorities can ensure that appropriate erosion control measures and best management practices are in place to mitigate these risks.

In contrast, a site being closed until further notice or requiring a public hearing would typically not be the response to soil disturbance unless there were significant compliance issues or violations, which is not directly related to the act of soil disturbance alone. Similarly, stating that no additional permits are needed contradicts the regulatory framework designed to oversee environmental impacts associated with large-scale soil disturbances.