(WXYZ) — The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy ordered the company who owns the Edenville Dam to perform critical repairs.
EGLE ordered Boyce Hyrdo Power LLC to make the repairs after the failure in May as the Tobacco River has not followed its natural path. Instead, EGLE said it has been flowing along the dam, through the breach and down the Tittabawassee River Channel.
According to the state, the changing flow of the river makes it hard to temporarily repair a bridge that was destroyed in the massive flood, and residents downstream face another threat of flooding if the remaining portion of the weakened dam is unable to impound water from snow melt and spring rain.
“The continued rerouting of the Tobacco River is delaying necessary safety measures and fixes that are important to stabilize the area affected by the Edenville Dam’s failure,” said Liesl Clark, director of EGLE. “We don’t want residents who live downstream to face another devastating flood. Boyce needs to step up and do what’s right for the community and property owners, make sure that no further damage is done to natural resources and allow for critical infrastructure work.”
The Edenville Dam is still classified as a high hazard dam, which means if there is another collapse, it could result in severe impacts.
According to the order, Boyce must expedite modifications to the Tobacco spillway which is expected to lower the water level and restore downstream flow. The company must also restore the Tittabawassee River to its former channel below the spillway, and remove sediment and debris about 3,000 feet downstream.
The state said Boyce has not addressed the hazards to the public, and they have been instructed numerous times from the state to perform the repairs.
According to the state, Boyce must immediately hire a contractor to do the work and submit proof of a contract by Sept. 21 and start construction by Oct. 19.
State orders company to make emergency repairs on Edenville Dam by WXYZ-TV Channel 7 Detroit on Scribd
