As more data centers are built in Michigan, people often have questions about environmental reviews, permitting requirements, water use, air emissions, and infrastructure needs.
This page provides answers to frequently asked questions about EGLE’s role in reviewing data center projects and environmental permits that may apply.
EGLE becomes involved when a project includes activities that require environmental permits under Michigan law.
Developers may also contact EGLE early in their planning process to understand which environmental requirements might apply.
EGLE evaluates whether proposed activities meet the environmental standards in Michigan’s laws and rules.
This includes reviewing application materials, technical information, site plans, and environmental protection measures to ensure natural resources are safeguarded.
If a data center project involves multiple environmental activities, EGLE’s program areas work together to make sure all relevant permits and requirements are identified and addressed.
Developers can request coordinated pre‑application meetings for complex projects.
Many permits include opportunities for public notice and comment. EGLE shares comment periods through its public calendar at Michigan.gov/egleCalendar.
Comments received during these processes are reviewed and considered as part of EGLE’s decision‑making.
EGLE conducts inspections, reviews required reports, and monitors compliance with permit conditions.
If issues arise, EGLE works with the facility to correct them and may take enforcement action if necessary.
Permit documents, public notices, and records are available through EGLE’s various program databases and public information resources, including MiEnviro Portal and EGLE’s FOIA and public records systems.
EGLE encourages early coordination to help applicants understand environmental requirements, identify necessary permits, and design projects that meet Michigan’s environmental standards.
The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) regulates energy utilities and signs off on the contracts that those utilities have to provide power to data centers.
Questions on energy use by data centers should be directed to MPSC.
Questions regarding environmental permitting requirements may be directed to the contact listed on the program's webpage or through EGLE’s Environmental Assistance Center at 800-662-9278 or EGLE-Assist@Michigan.gov
It depends. A data center may be required to obtain a wastewater discharge permit under an industrial pretreatment program (IPP), but it is not always required. Data centers are not currently considered categorical industrial users (CIUs) under federal pretreatment rules, but they may be designated as significant industrial users (SIUs) if they discharge nondomestic wastewater to a publicly owned treatment works (POTW). A POTW with an approved industrial pretreatment program will evaluate the need to issue a wastewater discharge permit on a case-by-case basis. This decision depends on factors such as the local POTW's IPP procedures, local sewer use ordinance or regulations, nature and volume of the wastewater discharged, wastewater treatment plant design constraints, and more. Only POTWs with approved IPPs have the authority to issue discharge permits. If a POTW without an IPP is concerned about wastewater from a data center, it may need to develop an IPP to accept and control its wastewater.
