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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October 22, 2025
Some of the most significant issues that threaten the quality of Michigan’s waterways stem from natural and human-made pollutants traveling across the landscape long before reaching a lake or stream. Nonpoint Source (NPS) pollution is caused when rain, snowmelt, or wind carry pollutants into lakes, streams, wetlands, and groundwater from the land around them. It is the leading remaining reason for water quality problems in Michigan. The most effective approach to addressing nonpoint source pollution in water requires an in-depth look at what is happening on land locally.
Illustrations of nonpoint and point source pollution along with elements of the water cycle. Developed by the USEPA, Office of Water, Nonpoint Source Program. The area of land surrounding a waterbody that funnels rainwater and snowmelt toward that waterbody is called a watershed. Everyone lives in a watershed, and thus the decisions people make on land have a significant impact on our waterways. EGLE tests the water quality of many lakes and rivers each year. With this information, we can identify high quality waters and identify pollutants that threaten water quality.
Local groups, like conservation districts, nonprofit organizations, and municipalities use environmental and social cues to create watershed management plans that prioritize projects to protect or improve water quality. These watershed management plans are the foundation of Michigan’s Nonpoint Source Program, which provides technical and financial support to groups performing this work. If you are curious whether your watershed is currently covered by a watershed management plan, EGLE hosts an interactive map that highlights areas of the state that are covered by one on the NPS webpages.
A screen shot of the Nonpoint Source Program’s Approved Nine-Element Watershed Management Plan Web Map. 
EGLE staff conducting water quality monitoring using a Van Dorn sampler. So, what are some major nonpoint source pollutants in Michigan and why are they a problem?
Nutrients, sediment, bacteria, and thermal water pollution are significant NPS pollutants. Increased quantities of water and speed of stormwater runoff can also greatly harm water quality. Nonpoint source pollutants can harm human health and industries, as well as fisheries and other wildlife health. Issues such as flooding, harmful algal blooms, and contaminated water are direct impacts of nonpoint source pollution.
Potential sources of nonpoint source pollution include:
Where are most watershed management plan efforts in Michigan finding these pollutants to be coming from? Some frequently seen causes include:
Changes in the landscape and flow paths can intensify these NPS threats. When the natural flow of a stream has been altered (dams, increased development, and drainage) the speed and amount of water entering our waterways increases, which can cause erosion.
Best Management Practices are activities and projects that protect and restore water quality. These solutions help fix the causes listed above. Examples include:
The NPS Program maintains an extensive list of best management practices and related resources. The program also has skilled staff that are able to provide tips and guidance to local groups interested in implementing these practices.
In addition to providing technical support to groups implementing best management practices, the NPS Program provides funding to support this work.
Under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act, states, territories, and tribes receive federal grant money from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that supports a wide variety of Nonpoint Source Program activities. Along with other state funding, Michigan passes half of the 319 funds through to local organizations as Nonpoint Source Watershed Implementation grants. Implementation grants support the implementation of activities outlined in EPA-approved watershed management plans. Michigan plans to release a request for proposals for these grants later this year.
Section 604(b) of the Clean Water Act provides additional federal funding through Clean Water State Revolving Fund allotments that are specifically designated for watershed planning efforts. Michigan passes at least 40% of these funds through to local groups who are writing or updating watershed management plans.
In addition to federal funding, in 2021 Michigan began making grant funds available to watershed-based organizations. These grants support general organizational administration needs as well as conservation and educational activities, boosting capacity for local organizations doing watershed work. These Watershed Council Grants are dependent on the outcome of the State budget each year. There is currently an open Request for Proposal for Fiscal Year 2026 (Watershed Council RFP FY2026). The deadline to apply is December 10. A webinar about the opportunity will be offered at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, October 28.
The competitive funding sources provided through Michigan’s Nonpoint Source Program have supported nearly one thousand watershed projects throughout the state for the last 35 years. Several successful projects have occurred over multiple years and integrated multiple funding sources.
See the Nonpoint Source Program webpages for past and current grant information and technical support.
See the Nonpoint Source Program Success Stories for brief descriptions of our most successful implementation projects.
See the Nonpoint Source Project Summaries page for fact sheets related to projects funded through the NPS Program.
Often times individuals wonder what they can do in their everyday lives to support water quality. There are many steps anyone can take within their everyday decisions to protect and improve water quality:
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The need for regulatory reforms and sustained investment in dam safety has never been more urgent.
The event gives people the opportunity to dispose of their unused, expired, or unwanted prescription medications anonymously at thousands of collection sites nationwide.
The Great Lakes PFAS Summit will focus on sharing new methods of addressing contamination and presenting innovative technical solutions developed to address “forever” chemicals.
In recognition of Firewood Month, Michigan’s Invasive Species Program is taking a few minutes to unpack some firewood facts to help you make safe firewood choices to protect Michigan’s trees and forests.
EGLE invites Michiganders to learn, act, and help protect the Great Lakes from tiny plastic pollution
EGLE has partnered with the EPA and five Michigan communities to accelerate lead service line replacement.
State and federal funds support transition to benefit air quality, student health, school budgets
The passage of the FY26 state budget ensures that the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) can continue its vital work protecting our state’s air, land, water, and energy resources. While this year’s budget reflects a modest reduction for EGLE, it maintains core funding and staffing levels necessary to deliver on our mission to protect Michigan’s natural resources and safeguard public health. We appreciate the Governor and Legislature’s continued support for environmental protection and public health.
To prevent fires, it is important to use lithium-ion batteries safely, understand their hazards, and recycle them in a safe manner.
