324.30112 Civil action; commencement by department; fine; violation as misdemeanor; penalty; civil sanction as appropriate to violation.

Sec. 30112.

    (1) The department may commence a civil action in the circuit court of the county in which a violation occurs to enforce compliance with this part, to restrain violation of this part or any action contrary to an order of the department denying a permit, to enjoin the further performance of, or order the removal of, any project that is undertaken contrary to this part or after denial of a permit by the department, or to order the restoration of the affected area to its prior condition.

    (2) In a civil action commenced under this part, the circuit court, in addition to any other relief granted, may assess a civil fine of not more than $5,000.00 per day for each day of violation.

    (3) Except as provided in subsection (4), a person who violates this part or a permit issued under this part is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than $10,000.00 per day for each day of violation.

    (4) A person who commits a minor offense is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than $500.00 for each violation. A law enforcement officer may issue and serve an appearance ticket upon a person for a minor offense pursuant to sections 9c to 9g of chapter IV of the code of criminal procedure, 1927 PA 175, MCL 764.9c to 764.9g.

    (5) A person who knowingly makes a false statement, representation, or certification in an application for a permit or in a notice or report required by a permit, or a person who knowingly renders inaccurate any monitoring device or method required to be maintained by a permit, is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than $10,000.00 per day for each day of violation.

    (6) Any civil sanction assessed, sought, or agreed to by the department shall be appropriate to the violation.