Every single division in the department uses GIS, which stands for Geographic Information Systems. GIS provides a way to map, analyze, and collect data that has a spatial component (like an address or coordinates).
Using GIS tools, we can visualize a location on a map and then we can layer many different types of locations on the same map. If we combine this location data with information about the location, GIS helps us better understand spatial patterns. GIS allows us to connect "where things are" with "what things are".
EGLE divisions use different databases to store environmental data. Below are the most common databases used to find PFAS related files and data.
MiEnviro Portal is an online application that houses Water Resources Division program files for Municipal and Industrial Wastewater Treatment facilities, Industrial Storm Water facilities, Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, Groundwater Discharge permits, Wetlands, and more.
MiEnviro includes a feature called MiEnviro Site Explorer. You can use this feature without creating an account, to explore thousands of publicly available documents and other information. Many members of the public use Site Map Explorer to find permit applications, current permits, discharge monitoring reports, and violation notices in their community.
You can find more information about how to use Site Map Explorer at MiEnviro Portal: using Site Map Explorer (michigan.gov) or access PFAS-Related Documents – Search Tips
Note: While Site Map Explorer provides public access to many documents, it is not intended to be a complete record for a site. Some older records, such as violations prior to October 1, 2015, and draft documents are not accessible through Site Map Explorer.
MiEnviro is also in the process of integrating Air Quality program information such as: Dry Cleaners and Air permitting sites. That integration is expected to be completed in fall of 2025.
The RIDE Mapper is an online application that allows users to view sites of environmental contamination under Part 201, leaking underground storage tank sites (both open and closed) regulated under Part 213, and underground storage tank facilities (both active and closed) regulated under Part 211.
In addition, users can view any land use or resource use restrictions imposed on a property that has been provided to EGLE. Users can search and display sites based on city, county, EGLE district, and/or Michigan legislative districts. Internal map functions allow the user to view and search for sites within a certain distance, lot of land, or stream segments.
As the name indicates, RIDE Mapper has strong connections to the Remediation Information Data Exchange. RIDE Mapper shows the locations of facilities regulated by Remediation and Redevelopment Division. Basic site information and attributes about facility locations are available in RIDE Mapper, but more detailed site information is available in RIDE.
Wellogic is a portal that provides an easy and efficient method to look up your residential well information. Wellogic contains the records that the well driller provided to the local health department or the State of Michigan concerning the depth, construction data, and the types of soil encountered during drilling. The types of soil encountered are important because the presence of a thick clay layer (>10 ft) can indicate that your well may be protected by an impermeable barrier. Similarly, wells that are shallow (< 50 ft) can be influenced by local contamination sources easier than deeper wells with impermeable clay layers. Please note that clay layers can be compromised by drilling wells through them, and depending on the type of well drilling equipment, skill of the well driller, and the time frame when the well was drilled, the soil layer data may be an approximation.
Other GIS Resources:
Visit Michigan Department of Environmental, Great Lakes, and Energy Maps and Data for a centralized list of EGLE’s geospatial content.
