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Michigan Dam Safety Task Force

The Edenville Dam Spillway with water flowing over it.
Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

Michigan Dam Safety Task Force

The Michigan Dam Safety Task Force evaluated the statutory structure, budget, and program design of EGLE's Water Resources Division Dam Safety Program, the adequacy of Michigan's dam safety standards, and the level of investment needed in Michigan's dam infrastructure.

Having completed its work, its final report has been sent to Governor Whitmer and the legislature. The report summarizes its findings and recommends regulatory, financial, and programmatic improvements to help ensure Michigan dams are appropriately maintained, operated, and overseen to protect Michigan residents and aquatic resources.

Report and background information

In the spring of 2020, the Edenville and Sanford dams in Mid-Michigan failed during a major flood event. One outcome was the multipronged response to the dam failures from state government, as well as a review of Michigan's dam safety operations.

  • bird's-eye view of dam in Flint River

    Final report

    Recommendations for policy, budgetary, legislative, and enforcement reforms.

    Submitted on February 25, 2021.

  • Edenville Dam breach at the Tittabawassee River

    Edenville dam recovery

    The Edenville and Sanford Dams failed, forcing the evacuation of thousands of residents and resulted in catastrophic flooding and property losses.

Meeting materials

About the task force

Association of State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO) peer review reports 

Contact

Holly Gokee, GokeeH1@Michigan.gov 517-284-5567