LANSING, Mich. — An independent forensic investigation team will be able to move forward with its examination of the May 19 failures of dams near Midland.
The investigation will focus on the failures of the Edenville and Sanford dams and the operations of the Smallwood and Secord dams.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy made the announcement Tuesday.
The team was hired under contract with the commission after the owner of the dams, Boyce Hydro, failed to contract with the investigators by July 13 as required.
Boyce Hydro was directed to do so May 20.
On July 8, FERC required the dam owner to provide, by July 13, documentation of fully executed contracts for the team to begin its work. Boyce Hydro has not responded to the letter.
The forensic investigation is separate from both the Association of State Dam Safety Officials’ examination of EGLE’s Dam Safety Program, and a continuing assessment of the structural integrity of the remaining portion of the Edenville Dam.
