Data centers are facilities that store and manage large amounts of digital information for various services, including cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), business operations, and research. These facilities can range widely in size and design.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) regulates and issue permits for environmental activities and impacts that may be part of a data center project.
EGLE does not determine data center locations but ensures regulated activities meet Michigan’s environmental laws. EGLE may review and issue permits for one or more individual aspects of a data center.
Depending on project design and location, EGLE review may include the permits listed below. Not every project requires every permit. Applicable reviews depend on site conditions, project design, and operational characteristics.
The Water Resources Division (WRD) protects Michigan’s waters by establishing water quality standards, regulating wastewater discharges, overseeing stormwater and erosion control, and managing activities that affect wetlands, lakes, streams, floodplains, and coastal resources. WRD also permits public wastewater infrastructure and ensures these systems are built and operated in ways that protect water quality.
For a data center project, WRD may regulate:
The Geologic Resources Management Division (GRMD) manages Michigan’s geologic resources, including minerals, fossil fuels, and large‑quantity freshwater withdrawals. The water use program tracks all large-quantity water use statewide to ensure any changes that occur to local water balances as a result of that water use do not cause adverse resource impact to the natural water features.
For a data center project, GRMD may regulate:
Access to geologic data or mapping needed for planning or site evaluation
Water use which exceeds 100,000 gallons over a 30 days requires registration
The Air Quality Division (AQD) works to maintain clean air in Michigan by regulating and monitoring sources of air pollution. The division evaluates air emissions, issues permits for equipment that could affect air quality, conducts inspections, and monitors compliance with state and federal air standards.
For a data center project, AQD may permit:
Any additional stationary sources of air emissions associated with the facility
Emergency backup generators
The Drinking Water and Environmental Health Division (DWEHD) ensures Michigan communities have drinking water and sanitary environmental conditions that meet the standards of the Safe Drinking Water Act. The division oversees public water supplies, protects source water, regulates water well construction, supports local health departments in water quality investigations, and licenses activities such as domestic septage handling, campgrounds, and public swimming pools.
For a data center project, DWEHD may regulate:
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