Michigan Senate Moves to Strengthen Dam Oversight with New Legislation
In a proactive move to prevent future disasters, the Michigan Senate has passed a bill aimed at enhancing the oversight of federally licensed dams. This legislative effort comes in response to the catastrophic failure of the Edenville Dam in 2020, which resulted in severe flooding in Midland County.
The proposed legislation mandates increased inspections and emergency planning for dams, while empowering the state’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to dismantle dams at risk of failure. The initiative is seen as essential in the face of climate change, which is causing more frequent extreme weather events.
State Senator Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak) emphasized the urgency of the bill, stating, “As we see rising extreme weather, natural disasters occurring in our state, we know that the cost is greater if we don’t act.” She highlighted that having a preemptive emergency plan is crucial to avoid the chaos experienced during the Edenville Dam incident, where accountability was unclear.
Earlier in the year, the Cheboygan Lock and Dam faced potential overflow due to heavy rain and snowmelt, prompting evacuation warnings in nearby communities after levees breached. Fortunately, the dam held, but the threat underscored the need for improved dam safety measures.
However, not all lawmakers are in favor of the bill. Senator Ed McBroom (R-Waucedah Twp) expressed skepticism about expanding state oversight, arguing that state regulators have previously failed to ensure dam safety. “No department will finally take responsibility but they are sure happy to offload that responsibility on every business, every owner, every local community,” McBroom remarked.
The legislation also proposes the creation of a Dam Safety Emergency Fund to address cleanup efforts when operators fail to act. Furthermore, it grants the Michigan Attorney General authority to pursue operators for cost recovery.
Despite the Michigan Chamber of Commerce’s opposition, which contends that the state lacks authority over dams regulated by the Federal Power Act, McMorrow remains hopeful. “What this says is we need to strengthen our regulations in hopes that the federal government does the same thing,” McMorrow stated.
The bill now heads to the Republican-controlled Michigan House of Representatives, where a separate dam safety bill led by state Representative Bill G. Schuette (R-Midland) is also under consideration. More details on this related bill can be found here.
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