A complete list of all programs within the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)
Community involvement and public participation are an essential part of EGLE’s mission, vision, and values.
SARA Title III establishes requirements regarding emergency planning and "Community Right-to-Know" reporting on hazardous and toxic chemicals for federal, state, local, and tribal governments, as well as regulated facilities.
Resources and information on utilizing RRD's data exchange and the Inventory of Facilities.
An interactive map displaying contaminated sites throughout Michigan regulated under Parts 213, 201, and 211.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s (EGLE) Water Well Viewer (WWV), is an interactive mapping system that displays water wells along with other information, such as wellhead protection areas, underground storage tanks, and sites of environmental contamination. Water well locations have been identified by address matching, the use of global positioning systems (GPS), and by legal descriptions.
This system allows water well drilling and pump installation contractors to submit water well records.
EGLE's interactive calendar is designed to provide timely information on decisions before the Director, proposed settlements of contested cases, administrative rules promulgation, public hearings, meetings and comment deadlines, and environmental conferences, workshops and training programs.
Anyone wishing to formally serve legal documents upon the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), or its officers or employees, may do so by the following methods.
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Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are occurrences characterized by rapid and excessive growth of algae in aquatic environments. These water bodies can be lakes and reservoirs that serve as drinking water sources for communities. Blooms can have detrimental effects due to the production of toxins or the sheer biomass they generate, impacting both aquatic ecosystems and human health. Primarily fueled by nutrient-rich waters, HABs are often dominated by cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae. Cyanobacteria thrive in freshwater environments like those found in Michigan's water bodies. These organisms can produce cyanotoxins, which pose significant risks to animals and humans. Exposure to cyanotoxins through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact can lead to various health issues, ranging from gastrointestinal problems to neurological effects. Identifying HABs and whether they contain cyanotoxins can be challenging because they manifest in diverse forms and colors. Algal blooms can appear as patches or surface scums with colors ranging from blue-green, brown, yellow, white, purple, to red. They may also present as flecks, foam, or globs on the water's surface, sometimes giving the water a slick green sheen. Beyond toxin production, HABs can contribute to environmental degradation by depleting oxygen levels in water (hypoxia/anoxia) and altering pH levels (acidification). These changes can harm aquatic organisms such as fish and other wildlife, disrupting the delicate balance of freshwater ecosystems.
This map shows the results of cyanotoxin testing conducted by EGLE, MDHHS, and partner agencies in response to reports of HABs caused by cyanobacteria in water bodies.
HABs are a concern in the Great Lakes and inland lakes of Michigan. Lake Erie, for example, has experienced significant HAB events due to its shallowness and influx of nutrient-rich agricultural runoff. HABs typically occur during warm summer months when water temperatures are favorable for algal growth. In addition to warmer weather, there is also an increase in nutrient pollution from higher fertilizer use during the summer. HABs are unpredictable and may develop, change location, or disappear rapidly. While there are water bodies in the state of Michigan that may be more susceptible due to various conditions, it is rather difficult to map each HAB location because of their dynamic behavior.
Various measures are being take across the state to address and mitigate the impacts of HABs. Monitoring efforts are crucial for identifying the onset of blooms and assessing their potential toxicity. This is achieved through systematic water sampling and analysis to monitor changes in water quality indicators such as nutrient levels, chlorophyll concentration (a measure of algal biomass), and the presence of cyanotoxins. Additionally, frequent water sampling is in place to detect changes in water before blooms occur. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) collects water samples to test for HABs and then notifies other state departments and local health departments of the lab results. Based on these results, health departments may issue advisories to avoid areas with harmful algae. Beyond monitoring and advisory systems, Michigan is actively engaged in implementing strategies to manage and reduce nutrient pollution, which is a key driver of HABs. Efforts include promoting best management practices in agriculture to minimize fertilizer runoff, implementing wetland restoration projects to improve water quality, and supporting research initiatives aimed at understanding the dynamics of algal blooms and their ecological impacts. Public education and outreach are also important components of Michigan's approach to addressing HABs. By raising awareness among residents, recreational users, and stakeholders about the causes and potential health risks associated with HABs, the state aims to foster a proactive community response. This includes providing guidance on recognizing HABs, understanding advisory notifications, and promoting responsible practices to minimize impacts on water quality and ecosystem health.
Email AlgaeBloom@Michigan.gov.
Call the Environmental Assistance Center at 1-800-662-9278.
It is important to be aware of what harmful algal blooms are, when and where they occur, and why you should care about them.
This story map covers all that and more including how to prevent and report blooms if you suspect there may be one on a water body in Michigan.
