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Understanding MMD Inspections

back of person in safety vest and hard hat looking out at a cluttered warehouse
Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

Understanding MMD Inspections

Staff of the Materials Management Division perform inspections to evaluate compliance with environmental and public health laws. During inspections, our staff may: 

  • Enter a premises at reasonable times and inspect areas where waste and/or materials are handled, generated, stored, treated, transported, and/or disposed.
  • Review information about the wastes and materials.
  • Collect samples of wastes and other materials on the premises for analysis.
  • Collect photos and/or videos to document site conditions.

 

  • Two EGLE Staff in safety vests talk in field

    Who we inspect

    Our staff inspect a wide range of commercial, municipal, and industrial operations, including manufacturing, waste management, healthcare, and retail establishments. Inspections are almost always unannounced. Facilities are selected for inspection based on a range of factors including: 

    • Inspection requirements identified in law
    • Grant commitments for implementing federal programs
    • Compliance history
    • Complaints or referrals by other agencies
  • Paper File Folders

    Inspection Records

    Our staff typically reviews relevant records during an inspection. In some instances, a site owner or operator may be contacted after an inspection to provide additional records. Types of records that may be requested include: 

    • Waste manifests and shipping documents
    • Waste characterization records
    • Land Disposal Restriction forms
    • Employee training records
    • Inspection records
    • Contingency Plan
    • Waste transportation documents
    • Environmental monitoring records
  • EGLE Staff visiting facility in safety vests

    Inspection Process

    A site inspection typically consists of a visual inspection of the facility and surrounding areas, and a review of relevant records. Some inspections may also involve measurements of piles or sampling of water, soil, waste, or other materials. Most inspections involve the following steps: 

    1. Arrival and Opening Meeting: Staff introduces themselves and identifies the purpose of the visit.
    2. Walk-Through: Staff inspects the facility by observing operations and waste/material management areas, interviewing facility staff, collecting samples, and/or reviewing records. They may document their observations with written or recorded notes, photos, and videos. Use of drones during an inspection must be approved by the facility in advance.
    3. Closing Meeting: Staff discusses their observations, initial findings, and anticipated next steps.
    4. Post Inspection Follow-up: Staff will send an email or written letter, often transmitted via email, to document the inspection findings, and if needed, identify any actions that are needed to address violations.

Legal Authority

The Materials Management Division's inspection authority is derived from:

  • The Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended:
    • Part 111, Hazardous Waste Management; specifically, Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) 324.11146
    • Part 121, Liquid Industrial By-Products; specifically, MCL 324.12114
    • Part 115, Solid Waste Management; specifically, MCL 324.11515
    • Part 169, Scrap Tires; specifically, MCL 324.16909a
  • The Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, 1998 PA 138, as amended; specifically, MCL 29.477
  • Radiation Control, Part 135 of the Public Health Code, as amended; specifically, MCL 333.13517
  • The Medical Waste Regulatory Act, Part 138 of the Public Health Code, as amended; specifically, MCL 333.13825

Identification and Safety

Our staff will present a business card and State of Michigan Employee Identification Card at the beginning of the inspection. They may arrive in a state government or personal vehicle. They will have personal protective equipment, which typically includes safety shoes, safety glasses, a hard hat, and a reflective vest. Please make our staff aware of any site-specific safety protocols.

Denial of Entry

While our state laws grant our staff the authority to enter regulated facilities for inspection, they will leave if requested. If denied entry, they may seek a warrant from a local court and return later. They may be accompanied by Environmental Conservation Officers and/or local law enforcement, if needed.  

Contact information

For more information, contact the Environmental Assistance Center at 800-662-9278.

Our staff typically provide direct, one-on-one compliance assistance during inspections. However, EGLE’s Environmental Assistance Center is also available at 800-662-9278 or EGLE-Assist@Michigan.gov to help with finding staff contacts and compliance resources.

To reach our staff directly, please use the program staff maps to find the appropriate contact for your county/area.

Report environmental emergencies by calling 800-292-4706

The Pollution Emergency Alerting System hotline is available 24/7 to report environmental emergencies or spills/releases of pollutants to the water, land, or air.  Learn more about Michigan’s release reporting requirements at Michigan.gov/egleEmergencyPlan.