dams

Climate change has brought more unpredictable weather, and that has resulted in more severe storms and more flooding, more dams at risk and that, of course, puts property and lives in danger. Around here, we depend on the Huron River. The Digital Water Lab at the University of Michigan has set a network of real-time sensors to improve water monitoring, flood response and coordination among dam operators. WEMU's David Fair got a lesson in how that works in a conversation with U-M Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Branko Kerkez.

Today is Earth Day. The theme for Earth Day 2026 is "Our Power, Our Planet." To mark the occasion, we take a look at the power of natural river flow and the benefits and consequences of man-made dams. There are some legislative reforms under consideration in Lansing, and, in the meantime, there are a number of dams in Washtenaw County in different states of functionality. Huron River Watershed Council executive director Rebecca Esselman joined WEMU's David Fair for a look at where the power of policy and funding will lead us in the years ahead.

A final decision on the future of the Saline River, or Mill Pond, Dam is expected in the coming few months. WEMU's Kevin Meerschaert reports.

When it comes to our local environment, 2025 has been a year of progress and one with significant and growing challenges. Environmental aspirations are being worked into place in almost direct opposition to changing federal priorities and policies. WEMU's David Fair reflected on 2025 in a conversation with Beth Gibbons, the Director of the Washtenaw County Resiliency Office.

The City of Saline is considering whether to rehabilitate, replace, or remove the historic Saline River Dam. Dam removal offers long-term ecological benefits but raises concerns about aesthetics, recreation, and economic impact. A final decision on the matter is coming in October. In the meantime, the city has been taking public input and reaching out to neighboring communities for discussion. WEMU's David Fair talked with Saline Mayor Brian Marl about what has been learned so far and what comes next in the process.

After two years of construction, the Washtenaw County Road Commission has finished reconstructing Tyler Road in Ypsilanti Township after being damaged by a flood. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the details.

The long-awaited removal of the Beyer Dam near Willow Run Airport is a step closer to reality, thanks to a grant from the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert has this report.

After weighing options on maintaining, restoring, or dismantling the Saline River Dam, the Saline City Council is postponing its decision until October. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the details.

Saline City Council expects a financial report on Monday from the city’s engineering office and Spicer Group consultants regarding the future of Saline Dam. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has more.

A slew of lawsuits related to the 2020 Edenville Dam disaster will be heard by the Michigan Court of Claims. In a decision released Friday, the Michigan Court of Appeals rejected the state’s motion to dismiss the cases. We have more from Rick Pluta.