1. (1) The following general considerations shall be weighed when reviewing an application:

   1. (a) Effect on the environmental factors and ecological systems involved, such as effect on adjacent lands, waters, aesthetics, wildlife, fisheries, recreational, floodplain, vegetation, and historic and archaeological values.
   2. (b) Cumulative effect upon the natural river area from similar potential developments.
   3. (c) Alternatives available to the applicant.
   4. (d) Secondary effects likely to be caused or encouraged by the project, such as off- road vehicle use, horseback riding, or additional foot access which may lead to noise, erosion, water pollution, or disruption of aesthetic qualities.
   5. (e) Economic factors relating to costs of right-of-way acquisition, construction, and maintenance, and the need for additional facilities or resource protection measures in the approximate area in the future.
   6. (f) All other factors relevant to the purposes and provisions of these rules.

2. (2) In addition to the general considerations, the following specific requirements shall apply:

   1. (a) Approval for rights-of-way shall be based upon the following:
   2. (i) Alternative routes available to the applicant.

   3. (ii) Proximity of existing rights-of-way, which the proposed facility could share or be located adjacent to.

      1. (iii) The narrowest width right-of-way necessary to facilitate construction and maintenance of the pipeline, transmission line, or road shall be used. The forest management division guidelines, utilities, pipelines, and communication structures on state land, which are available by writing the Forest Management Division, Department of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 30028, Lansing, Michigan 48909, shall be followed.
   4. (iv) Capacity of new pipelines, transmission lines, and roads to accommodate projected or anticipated future needs in that area to reduce the need for additional future crossings.
   5. (b) Approval of a plan for site location and design of publicly provided recreation facilities, access sites, publicly developed water management projects, or other structures shall be based upon all of the following:
   6. (i) The adopted natural river plan.

   7. (ii) Site location shall be in accordance with the adopted natural river plan.

      1. (iii) A site plan shall be developed so as to take advantage of existing topography and vegetation to minimize the impact of facilities on the natural character of the area.
   8. (iv) Alteration of existing topography shall be kept to a minimum, as provided for in the approved site plan.
   9. (v) Removal of trees, shrubs, and other vegetation in the natural river area shall be in accordance with the adopted natural river plan.

   10. (vi) A plan shall incorporate the use of materials that blend with the natural setting. Dark roof areas, muted earth tone paints or stains, and low silhouettes are considered desirable.

       1. (vii) A proposed use shall be constructed and maintained so that it does not lead to accelerated bank erosion or degradation of the river resources.
       2. (viii) When replacing an existing bridge or culvert, or constructing a new road crossing over a designated natural river, a structure to accomplish the road crossing shall be designed to maximize the purpose and objectives of the natural river act. In reviewing an application, the department shall consider the anticipated effects of the structure on any portion of the natural river area, and shall consider all of the factors outlined in subrule (1)(a) to (f).

History: 1979 AC.