To acquire a hydroelectric asset in Michigan, you must navigate the Dam Safety Unit of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). This unit is the primary regulator for the 2,500+ dams in the state.
As of early 2026, the unit is led by Luke Trumble, who oversees a team of engineers responsible for enforcing safety standards and managing the state’s dam inventory.
1. Key Contact: Michigan Dam Safety Unit
If you are researching a specific dam for purchase or looking for “High Hazard” sites that may need a new owner, you can contact the following staff directly:
- Unit Supervisor: Luke Trumble, P.E.
- Email: TrumbleL@Michigan.gov
- Phone: 517-420-8923
- Regional Contacts:
- Statewide/Senior Engineer: Dan DeVaun (Expert in failure investigations)
- Northern Michigan (Gaylord): Michael Size (SizeM@Michigan.gov)
- Lansing/Central: Thomas Horak (HorakT@Michigan.gov)
- General Hotline: EGLE Environmental Assistance Center at 800-662-9278.
2. Potential Targets: High Hazard Dams
In Michigan, “High Hazard” doesn’t mean the dam is currently failing; it means that if it did fail, it would result in loss of life or significant property damage. There are currently 161 High Hazard dams in Michigan.
While the “Big 13” Consumers Energy dams are being transferred to Hull Street Energy, smaller privately-owned dams often face “Safety Orders” that make the owners desperate to sell. Watch for these types of private owners:
| High Hazard Dam | Current Owner Type | Status/Note |
|---|---|---|
| Impoundment No 1 | Private (Michigan Limestone) | Industrial use; often carries heavy environmental liability. |
| Lake 13 Dam | Private (Homeowners Association) | Associations often look to “donate” or sell dams to avoid repair costs. |
| Myers-Henderson Pond | Private/Drain Commission | Detention ponds that may offer small-scale “Micro-Hydro” potential. |
3. The “Free Dam” Strategy (How Hull Street did it)
Hull Street Energy’s subsidiary, Confluence Hydro, is acquiring 13 dams for $1 each. You can potentially use this same model for your corporation:
- Find a “Distressed” Owner: Use the EGLE Dam Inventory map to find private dams with expired inspections or “Poor” condition ratings.
- The Buyout: Offer to take the dam for $1.00 in exchange for assuming all legal and safety liability.
- The Crowd-Fund: Use your 70/30 split model to raise the $1M – $5M needed for modernizing the turbines.
- The PPA: Ensure you have a Power Purchase Agreement with a utility (like DTE) before closing.
4. Due Diligence Checklist
Before buying a dam in Michigan, you must request these documents from the Dam Safety Unit:
- Emergency Action Plan (EAP): Is it current? (Required for all High Hazard dams).
- Inspection Reports: When was the last 5-year engineering review?
- Part 315 Compliance: Are there any outstanding “Orders to Repair” from the state?
Would you like me to find the link to the live “Michigan Dam Inventory” interactive map so you can see every dam located in a specific county?