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Michigan Dam Safety Task Force to meet online Thursday

The Michigan Dam Safety Task Force has scheduled its next public meeting for Thursday, Dec. 17, to discuss draft recommendations it is developing surrounding the Dam Safety Program under the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) as well as the operation, regulation and safety of state-regulated dams.

The Task Force has been evaluating recommendations made by the Association of State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO) in the independent group’s review of the state’s Dam Safety Program. The Task Force assigned the ASDSO Peer Review Report recommendations to six workgroups: legislation and authority; compliance, enforcement and emergency response; permitting and design review; reevaluations, inspections and surveillance monitoring; program management/funding and budgeting; and outreach and awareness/safety and security at dams.

Thursday’s meeting begins at 3 p.m. and the public can join by following the Zoom meeting link posted to the Michigan Dam Safety Task Force’s webpage. Those who would like to attend but do not have Internet access can join the meeting by phone. Dial 646-558-8656 and then use the webinar ID 993 7599 9238 and passcode 880737.

There will be time allotted at Thursday’s meeting for public comment on the Task Force’s work. Each commenter will be given three minutes to speak. The public can also provide comments on any topics related to dams by sending an email to EGLE-DamSafety@Michigan.gov.

Individuals needing language assistance or other accommodations for effective participation in the Dec. 17 meeting should contact Holly Simons at SimonsH@Michigan.gov or 517-284-5567.

The Task Force’s final report, due to the Governor and Legislature in early 2021, will guide state regulators and lawmakers in prioritizing regulatory, financial and programmatic recommendations to determine which are most necessary and impactful to undertake to help ensure Michigan dams are appropriately maintained, operated and overseen to protect Michigan’s residents and aquatic resources.

Information about the Task Force can be found on the Michigan Dam Safety Task Force’s webpage.

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