Public Act 222 of 2001

Municipal Liability for Storm Water Drain and Sanitary Sewage Disposal System Events

In 2001, the Michigan Legislature passed PA 222 which creates an exception to the protections afforded to a governmental agency against liability arising from damages caused due to a "sewage disposal system event."

Definitions

The following are definitions for the terms used in the statute (MCL 691.1416 to 691.1419):
Appropriate Governmental Agency - a governmental agency that at the time of a sewage disposal system event, owned or operated, or directly or indirectly discharged into, the portion of the sewage disposal system that allegedly caused damage or physical injury.

Claimant - (1) a property owner that believes a "sewage disposal system event" caused damage to the owner's property; (2) a physically injured individual who believes a "sewage disposal system event" caused the physical injury or (3) a person making the claim on behalf of a property owner or physically injured individual.

Sewage Disposal System Event - the overflow or backup of a sewage disposal system onto real property.

An overflow or backup is not a sewage disposal system event if any of the following was a substantial proximate cause:

Obstruction in a service lead not caused by governmental agency
Sump system, building drain, surface drain, gutter or downspout connected to the sewage disposal system
Act of war or terrorism

Sewage Disposal System - all interceptor sewers, storm sewers, sanitary sewers, combined sanitary and storm sewers, sewage treatment plants, and all other plants, works, instrumentalities and properties used or useful in connection with the collection, treatment and disposal of sewage and industrial wastes and includes a storm water drain system under the jurisdiction and control of a governmental agency.

Notice Requirements

If you experience a "sewage disposal system event" you must file a claim in writing to the governmental agency within 45 days of your discovery of an event. The claim must include:

your name, address and phone number
address of affected property
date of discovery of any property damages or physical injuries
a brief description of the claim

Please note that failure to file a written claim within 45 days may waive your right to further action.

Claim Requirements

A claimant may seek compensation for property damage or personal injury by showing all of the following existed at the time of the event:

the governmental agency was an appropriate government agency
the sewage disposal system had a defect
the governmental agency knew, or in the exercise of reasonable diligence, should have known about the defect
the governmental agency, having the legal authority to do so, failed to take reasonable steps to remedy the defect in a reasonable time
the defect was a substantial proximate cause of the event and property damage or physical injury

Damages

Recovery is limited to economic damages caused by an event unless there is a claim for death, serious impairment of body function or permanent serious disfigurement.

If any damaged property is personal property, claimant must show reasonable proof of ownership and value of the damaged property. Proof may include testimony, records of purchase price, value, photographic or similar evidence of value.

If you experience a "Sewage Disposal System Event" please contact your local government agency listed below to file a claim.

Ottawa County Water Resources Commissioner's Office
12220 Fillmore, Room 141
West Olive, MI 49460
Phone: (616) 994-4526