Recent spring floods damaged the tailrace downstream of the Hodenpyl Dam. Other nonfunctioning equipment at the dam has made inspections difficult.
Michigan Environment Watch
Michigan Environment Watch examines how public policy, industry, and other factors interact with the state’s trove of natural resources.
Great Lakes News Collaborative
Bridge Michigan, Circle of Blue, Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television, The Narwhal and Michigan Public work together to report on the most pressing threats to the Great Lakes region’s water. This independent journalism is supported by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation. You can find all of the collaborative’s stories here.
Shockwave
The Great Lakes region is in the midst of a seismic energy shakeup, from skyrocketing data center demand and a nuclear energy boom, to expanding renewables and electrification. In 2026, the Great Lakes News Collaborative will explore how shifting supply and demand affect the region and its waters. Read the series here.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
What to know as wildfires envelop Michigan in smoke (again)
Smoky summers are becoming the norm in Michigan as climate change increases wildfire threats. Here’s how to keep yourself safe.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
State issues Line 5 permits despite conceding its ‘significant impacts’
State agencies said the pipeline tunnel construction would affect Native American burial sites, wetlands and threatened and endangered species but concluded the benefits of the tunnel outweigh the damages. The project remains tied up in court.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Federal policy shields safety details of many Michigan dams. Foes demand change
Critics say owners of nearly 100 dams in Michigan take advantage of policies passed after 2001 terror attacks to deprive the public of basic information about the structures.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
In Michigan, 100K live downstream of old, decrepit dams. ‘We’re at their mercy’
Michigan’s aging dams pose growing risks to thousands of downstream residents. Weak standards, slow enforcement and scarce funding mean problem dams fester as climate change brings ever-bigger floods.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Dam safety reforms, millions for repairs advance in Michigan Legislature
Dueling state House and state Senate bills need additional votes before heading to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s desk, but the votes represent major action on reforms that have stalled in past sessions.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Amid dam sale critiques, Consumers offers to send profits to safety fund
As it urges regulators to approve a dam sale plan that a judge called “not in the public interest,” Consumers has offered to funnel $270 million in ratepayer dollars into the special fund. Critics say the company shouldn’t be entitled to those profits in the first place.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Sell out or repair? Homeowners torn after Michigan’s historic flooding
A number of homeowners affected by the historic spring floods are tearing down or selling out — changing their Up North lakeside communities as they do.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan floods expose lack of information, preparation in many rural areas
The April floods that inundated half the state caught many unprepared — and uninsured.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
On fabled Au Sable River, a fight for soul of Michigan’s holy waters
The storied river is beloved by boaters and anglers alike — and one side no doubt will be unhappy by the resolution of Consumers Energy’s proposal to sell six hydroelectric dams.
