dams

Consumers Energy says it is continuing negotiations for potentially selling its 13 hydroelectric dams in Michigan.

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In May 2020, the Edenville and Sanford dams in mid-Michigan failed following heavy flooding. Thousands of residents were forced to evacuate, and many homes were destroyed. A formal investigation followed, and the disaster has since led to an ongoing lawsuit seeking to hold the state of Michigan accountable for what happened.

Michigan has many aging dams across the state. One dam on Trout Lake in Gladwin county Michigan is at risk of failing, according to state officials. Higher water pressure from spring runoff prompted an "emergency" drawdown of Trout Lake water levels to prevent dam failure.

Removing dams can harm the delicate mussels that live downstream, so the federal government requires dam owners to search for mussels and move them before demolition.

State law limits maintenance of county drains to no more than $5,000 per mile — not nearly enough, according to Michigan drain commissioners.

A federal judge ruled Monday that Lee Mueller, the owner of the Midland dam which collapsed in May 2020, is liable for $120 million in damages to the state.

Consumers Energy wants to explore the possible sale of its 13 hydroelectric dams as the Michigan utility evaluates their future and cost efficiency.

Consumers Energy operates power-producing dams along the Muskegon, Manistee, Grand, Kalamazoo and Au Sable rivers.