Michigan Sues Water Services Company for Allegedly Submitting False Safe Reports

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has filed a civil lawsuit against the president of water services provider Douglas Environmental for allegedly violating the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA).

Nessel contends that Brian Powell submitted false reports that did not align with laboratory testing of private water systems serving mobile home communities across the state.

“When individuals cut corners and submit false reports, they are not just breaking the law but also actively putting our families at risk,” said Nessel in a statement. “Environmental protections help keep toxic contaminants out of our water, and bypassing these regulations carries severe consequences.”

Through Douglas Environment, Powell provided private wastewater operator services to mobile home communities throughout Michigan. Wastewater operators like Powell are required to submit regular water testing to EGLE so the agency can monitor discharges for potentially dangerous pollutants.

Between 2018 and 2023, Powell allegedly filed reports with more than 8,500 instances of false information. It is further alleged that there were more than 100 additional incidents where he either failed to submit timely monitoring reports or failed to submit reports at all.

The reported discrepancies spanned nine communities across Calhoun, Oakland, Macomb, Saginaw, Shiawassee, Hillsdale, and Barry Counties. Based on testing by EGLE, the public was not harmed by the alleged falsified reports.

Nessel is seeking injunctive relief, civil fines, and surveillance, litigation, and enforcement expenses.

Source: Michigan Attorney General’s Office