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EGLE reports registrations, timeliness shortfall and local outreach to Moscow Township residents
Summary
Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy staff told the council they have processed 127 W registrations and 87 SSRs so far in 2026, with an average timeliness of 13.67 days — above the 10‑day goal — and described recent outreach to Moscow Township residents concerned about wells.
Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) staff gave a mid‑year water‑use update at the Water Use Advisory Council meeting, reporting registration counts, timeliness metrics and recent outreach to township residents worried about wells and mining activity.
"For 2026 so far, we've gotten in 127 W registrations and 87 SSRs," the water‑use assessment presenter said, breaking those SSRs into 73 authorized, 11 retracted and 3 still pending. He added the program’s average processing time was 13.67 days, above the 10‑business‑day statutory target. Two permit‑level applications are awaiting public notice: one dewatering application for a wastewater‑treatment project and one for a standing gravel core review.
Staff also described recent outreach in Moscow Township (near the Hillsdale County border) where residents had reported long‑standing artesian wells that have stopped flowing. EGLE staff said they met residents with Farm Bureau staff, explained local geology and hydrology, and followed up with mapping and permit‑record checks. "We suggested that that's not likely the case [that the sand and gravel mine is causing the issue], and climatic changes seemed like at the time the most likely source of the wells potentially no longer being flowing," an EGLE manager said.
Council members asked for clarification about compliance communications and the fraction that result in satisfactory correction; staff said roughly 99% of compliance communications are resolved. Members also discussed how outreach and clear explanations about process can help reduce suspicion and improve community trust.
Next steps: EGLE will continue to process pending permits, post public notices as required, follow up on the Moscow Township permit and outreach work, and circulate registration and timeliness updates at future council meetings. The council will meet Aug. 11 at Michigan State University, where a mobile lab demonstration is planned prior to the meeting.
Note: Throughout this article the agency name is given in the spelling used by council staff: "Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy."
