Ten of 19 counties with first-magnitude springs have voted to opt out of having septic tank inspection programs, according to the state Department of Health. A measure in 2011 allowed the 19 counties to opt out with a supermajority vote.MichiganThe Senate approved a bill to ease restrictions on development of property near the Great Lakes sand dunes. Current law requires people who want to build or install septic systems to get a permit and prove the construction will not harm the environment. The proposal from Sen. Arlan Meekhof would shift the burden to the state Department of Environmental Quality. The
