A coalition of farmers and industry groups challenges the state’s attempt to rein in water pollution by limiting when and how manure from large animal farms can be spread as fertilizer on farmland.
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
Whitmer administration names outside team to probe Edenville dam failure
After criticism from experts and others who argued the state should not lead an investigation into what caused the dam failure that flooded mid-Michigan last month, the state announced an independent six-person team
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
As coasts flood, Michigan towns must choose what to save and what can wait
As Great Lakes waters threaten roads, beaches and treatment facilities, COVID-19 has created giant budget shortfalls. Local officials must make tough decisions about which problems to fix, and which to let fester.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Corrected: Michigan knew of Edenville dam issues in August 2019
The owner of the failed Edenville dam claimed it lacked money to make needed safety upgrades. Instead of demanding flood repairs, state lawyers played hardball on the cost of dead mussels.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Judge: Edenville Dam still poses ‘grave risk,’ needs immediate inspection
A U.S. District Court judge has ordered the Edenville Dam’s owner to report back by Friday with a plan to take “immediate action” if lingering damage to the dam’s Tobacco River side poses an ongoing risk to the public.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Crises collide: Flood recovery workers carried COVID-19 to Michigan
19 workers who came to Michigan to work on flood recovery projects in the Midland region have tested positive for COVID-19 but subsequently left the state. Local health officials believe “one or two” of the workers were symptomatic before they came to Michigan.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Appeals court sides with Enbridge over Dana Nessel in Line 5 tunnel dispute
In a unanimous opinion issued Thursday, a three-judge panel rejected the Michigan Attorney General’s constitutional challenge to the Republican-passed 2018 law that made way for the Line 5 tunnel project.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Edenville Dam owner claims Michigan regulators to blame for flooding
One day after Michigan sued the owners of the Edenville Dam for millions, Boyce Hydro claims in court papers the state repeatedly blocked permits for repairs that could have prevented massive flooding in mid-May.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Who pays Michigan utilities’ coronavirus costs: customers or investors?
Commercial and industrial revenue fell for Michigan utilities when the COVID-19 lockdown closed factories and other businesses. Can they recoup their losses through rate hikes? Or should stockowners bear that burden?
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Neighbors of Edenville Dam don’t want state investigating its failure
The same day Michigan sued owners of troubled dams whose failures sparked a catastrophic flood in Midland, nearby property owners call for an independent investigation. The residents say the state is misstating facts about its failure to regulate the dams.