×

State to assess remaining portion of failed dam

LANSING (AP) — State investigators and contractors will this week start assessing the remaining portion of a Michigan dam whose failure this spring contributed to millions of dollars in flood damage and destroyed more than 100 houses.

The state said Monday that it is taking over the assessment after the owners failed to comply with a federal court order to determine what additional work might be needed to stabilize the Edenville dam and ensure the safety of residents in the Midland County area.

The owner of the nearly 100-year-old dam, Boyce Hydro, has said it could not afford to make the changes that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission had recommended before Edenville failed in May. Boyce Hydro declared bankruptcy in July.

“With Boyce in bankruptcy and unresponsive to both the court’s order and our inquiries, we are going forward with the needed engineering assessment,” said Teresa Seidel, director of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy’s water resources division.

However, attorney Lawrence Kogan, who represents Boyce Hydro, said Boyce submitted a complete report, only short a time schedule and cost estimate.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $2.99/week.

Subscribe Today