A complete list of all programs within the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)
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.
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.
The Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) provides all persons (except persons incarcerated in correctional facilities) with access to public records of public bodies. Requests to inspect or receive public records from EGLE must be in writing and describe the requested records with enough detail to enable the department to identify and locate the requested records. Some records are exempt from disclosure under the FOIA or another statute and thus will not be provided. A fee may be charged to process your request. Please note that many records are available that do not require a formal FOIA request.
The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer.
May 06, 2021
(Today's MI Environment story is the second of a two-part look at MiCorps. Here's the first story, in case you missed it.)
Long term monitoring of lakes and streams through MiCorps, the Michigan Clean Water Corps, provides data needed to identify the current health and changes over time of a lake or stream's water and habitat quality. The program is always looking for residents to participate in Michigan's premier volunteer lake and stream monitoring effort. Plus, it's a great way to make a difference while enjoying the outdoors.
Q: Who can participate?
A: Anyone can participate in MiCorps monitoring programs. Training is required for new participants. Participation in the Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program requires payment of a small fee to offset the cost of the provided sampling equipment and support. For those interested, check out our recent training presentations.
For those interested in participating in the Volunteer Stream Monitoring Program, the easiest way to get involved is to find a group near you. The MiCorps Directory can be used to find volunteer monitoring groups in Michigan.
For those interested in participating in the Volunteer Stream Cleanup Program, expressing your interest to your local municipality or watershed council is the best way to get involved. MiCorps Volunteer Stream Cleanup grants can only go to local governments, so you may have to encourage your community leaders to apply for the grant and organize the cleanup. They may be willing to apply if they know their community members are behind them and will help with the work!
Q: What kind of water quality data is collected?
A: Through the Volunteer Stream Monitoring Program, volunteers are trained to collect aquatic macroinvertebrates, which are aquatic insects and other organisms that live in our streams and rivers and can be seen and identified without a microscope. Because different types of macroinvertebrates vary in their sensitivity to pollution and habitat loss and spend up to several years living in the water, they are excellent indicators of stream and river health. Stream habitat is also assessed to provide additional clues about the health of the monitored streams.
Through the Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program, volunteers can collect a variety water quality and habitat parameters - water clarity, phosphorus, chlorophyll, dissolved oxygen, temperature, native and invasive aquatic plants, and shoreline habitat. Chlorophyll (a measure of the amount of algae), phosphorus (an important nutrient for algae and plant growth), and water clarity can tell you a lot about the health of a lake, especially when collected over time. Likewise, dissolved oxygen and temperature can tell you what fish can live in your lake and if nutrients are being released from the sediment. Volunteers can also learn to survey native and invasive aquatic plants. The Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program also trains volunteers to assess shoreline condition because of the important role shoreline habitat plays in lake heat
Q: Why should I join these programs?
A: There are a number of reasons why you might be interested in volunteering for MiCorps. We're looking for people who like to be outside and near the water. Or, if you're more scientifically oriented and like to learn how to do things such as quantifying the natural world around you. We also urge Michigan residents who wish to contribute to a better management of Michigan lakes and streams to sign up with MiCorps.
For more information, follow the links in this article or contact Tamara Lipsey, Lipseyt@Michigan.gov or 517-342-4372. You can also subscribe to our MiCorps listserv for news, announcements, and information regarding water quality issues in Michigan.
Follow MiCorps on social media for updated information, videos, and announcements of grant opportunities on Twitter (@MiCorpsMI) and Facebook.
Photo caption: Participants in the Volunteer Stream Monitoring Program.
Like this content? Follow us on Twitter at @MichiganEGLE or on Youtube.com/MichiganEGLE
Take a short survey and let us know what you think about MI Environment.
The curbside cart program is advancing Michigan’s circular economy and the MI Healthy Climate Plan goals.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy announced the funding of more than $2 million in grants to develop new markets for used vehicle tires.
Michigan’s proactive approach has prevented tens of thousands of gallons of concentrated PFAS compounds from entering our watersheds.
Michiganders have an additional 30 days to provide comment on the relicensing of aboveground hazardous waste operations at the Republic Industrial and Energy Services (RIES) hazardous waste facility in Romulus following the reopening of the public comment period by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).
This academy puts EV employers in the driver’s seat to develop education and training to meet the industry’s talent needs.
EGLE and Gelman Sciences, LLC filed a motion asking the Washtenaw County Circuit Court to enter an updated Consent Judgment governing response activities to address the 1,4-dioxane plume in the Ann Arbor area.
Check out what environmental books EGLE staffers recommend.
As part of its Earth Day celebration, EGLE is featuring a student webinar on taking clean water action in your community.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) announces $250,000 in available funding for Rural Electronics Grants. The deadline for grant applications is May 12, 2023.
Eleven houses of worship in low-income Michigan neighborhoods from Detroit to the Upper Peninsula will become more energy efficient with support from a $1.24 million grant of federal funds through the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).
