Whitmer Directs EGLE To Investigate Michigan Dam Failures

MICHIGAN — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has directed the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to investigate what caused the failure of two Mid-Michigan dams that resulted in historic flooding in several counties.

Whitmer also asked the department to review the larger issue of dam safety in the state and provide recommendations on reforms that can prevent these harms from repeating elsewhere.

“This flooding forced thousands to evacuate their homes, destroyed public infrastructure, ruined homes and businesses, and caused major natural resource damage,” Whitmer said. “We must ensure accountability and prevent a disaster like this from happening again. I want to thank the first responders and volunteers who have stepped up to help in this time of unprecedented need.”

Related: MI Flooding: Tittabawassee River Begins To Recede

Thousands of people were evacuated last week when the failure of the Edenville Dam allowed water to flow from Wixom Lake into the Tittabawassee River uncontrolled, flooding parts of the city of Midland and nearby communities of Freeland, Tittabawassee Township and Saginaw Township.

While the water receded, Whitmer declared a state of emergency and sought federal funding to help those who lost their homes. She has since expanded the declaration to surrounding counties.

According to the Associated Press, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission revoked the license of the company that operated the Edenville Dam in 2018 due to compliance issues that included spillway capacity and the inability to pass the most severe flood reasonably possible in the area.

The Dam was built in 1924 and was rated in unsatisfactory condition in 2018 by the state. The Sanford Dam, which was built in 1925, received a fair condition rating.

Both dams are in the process of being sold, the Associated Press reported.

“It warms my heart to see the outpouring of support and generosity for residents in mid-Michigan impacted by this historic flood while in the midst of a global health pandemic,” Whitmer said. “As residents begin the painstaking task of picking up the pieces from this disaster, they deserve to know why these dams failed, uprooting their homes, businesses and lives in the process.”