Michigan public works officials report difficulty reaching state environmental agency
Local leaders say communication gaps with EGLE complicate response to environmental issues
MICHIGAN — Several Michigan public works officials say they are struggling to get timely answers from the state agency responsible for environmental oversight, raising concerns about communication during situations that can impact public safety and the environment.
A head of public works in one Michigan community told me that contacting the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, commonly known as EGLE, can be difficult, even during serious situations.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly, said repeated calls to the agency often go unanswered.
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“There are times we’re dealing with serious environmental concerns and we can’t get anyone on the phone,” the source said. “When you do get through, you’re sometimes transferred multiple times and still don’t get a clear answer.”
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has roughly 1,500 to 1,700 employees statewide depending on the budget year and staffing levels.
That includes scientists, engineers, inspectors, administrators, and support staff spread across Lansing and regional offices.
Two additional public works employees from different Michigan communities described similar experiences, saying communication challenges with EGLE can slow down decision-making when quick guidance is needed.
One of those employees said the lack of clear direction can make it harder to respond effectively and communicate with residents.
“When you’re trying to explain something to the public, you want to be confident you’re giving accurate information,” the employee said. “But if you can’t get clarity from the state, it puts you in a tough spot.”
The officials also raised concerns about what they described as inconsistent guidance from the agency, particularly in situations involving environmental risks.
EGLE is responsible for overseeing environmental protection, including water quality, air quality and contamination response across the state.
I reached out to EGLE for comment regarding these concerns but have not yet received a response.
It is unclear how widespread the reported communication issues may be. However, local officials say improving responsiveness could help communities better manage environmental situations and provide clearer information to the public.