Section 324.11523b - Trust fund or escrow account(1) The owner or operator of a landfill or coal ash impoundment may establish a trust fund or escrow account to fulfill the requirements of sections 11523 and 11523a. (2) All earnings and interest from a trust fund or escrow account shall be credited to the fund or account. However, the custodian may be compensated for reasonable fees and costs for the custodian's responsibilities as custodian. The custodian shall ensure the filing of all required tax returns for which the trust fund or escrow account is liable and shall disburse funds from earnings to pay taxes owed by the trust fund or escrow account, without permission of the department.(3) The custodian shall annually, 30 days preceding the anniversary date of establishment of the fund, furnish to the owner or operator and to the department a statement confirming the value of the fund or account as of the end of the month immediately preceding the submittal of the report.(4) The owner or operator may request that the department authorize the release of funds from a trust fund or escrow account. The department shall grant the request if the owner or operator demonstrates that the value of the fund or account exceeds the owner's or operator's financial assurance obligation. A payment or disbursement from the fund or account shall not be made without the prior written approval of the department.(5) The owner or operator shall receive all interest or earnings from a trust fund or escrow account upon its termination.(6) If an owner or operator of a disposal area fulfills the financial assurance requirements of part 115 by establishing a trust fund or escrow account and the custodian has its authority to act as a custodian suspended or revoked, the owner or operator shall, within 60 days after receiving notice of the suspension or revocation, establish alternative financial assurance under part 115.(7) As used in this section, "custodian" means the trustee of a trust fund or escrow agent of an escrow account.Amended by 2022, Act 246,s 3, eff. 3/29/2023.Amended by 2018, Act 640,s 19, eff. 12/28/2018.Add. 1996, Act 359, Imd. Eff. 7/1/1996.