A complete list of all programs within the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)
Community involvement and public participation are an essential part of EGLE’s mission, vision, and values.
SARA Title III establishes requirements regarding emergency planning and "Community Right-to-Know" reporting on hazardous and toxic chemicals for federal, state, local, and tribal governments, as well as regulated facilities.
Resources and information on utilizing RRD's data exchange and the Inventory of Facilities.
An interactive map displaying contaminated sites throughout Michigan regulated under Parts 213, 201, and 211.
This system allows water well drilling and pump installation contractors to submit water well records.
EGLE's interactive calendar is designed to provide timely information on decisions before the Director, proposed settlements of contested cases, administrative rules promulgation, public hearings, meetings and comment deadlines, and environmental conferences, workshops and training programs.
The Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) provides all persons (except persons incarcerated in correctional facilities) with access to public records of public bodies. Requests to inspect or receive public records from EGLE must be in writing and describe the requested records with enough detail to enable the department to identify and locate the requested records. Some records are exempt from disclosure under the FOIA or another statute and thus will not be provided. A fee may be charged to process your request. Please note that many records are available that do not require a formal FOIA request.
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April 21, 2025
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is pleased to announce the 2025 EGLE Environmental Service Award winners.
The 6-8th grade Environmental Service Award winner is Grand Rapids Montessori Academy’s E2 class for their "Taking Care of Our Place -- Our Campus, Our Community, Our Watershed" project.
The 9-12th grade Environmental Service Award winner is Buchanan High School's Environmental Science classes for their “Restored Prairie Habitat: Creating a Lifelong Environmental Impact” project.
This prestigious award recognizes exceptional environmental projects completed by one middle and one high school student, group, or class in grades 6-12. Eligible projects demonstrate tangible results and benefits to Michigan’s environment, such as protecting the Great Lakes, restoring ecosystems, improving air or water quality, or conserving energy and resources. Projects were completed by school or extracurricular groups, such as scouts or 4-H clubs, between February 1, 2024, and March 1, 2025. If you have any questions, please email Samantha Lichtenwald at LichtenwaldS@Michigan.gov
Winning projects will be honored at the MI Student Sustainability Summit, on May 20, 2025.
At Grand Rapids Montessori Academy, E2 students led a schoolwide effort to embed environmental stewardship into daily life. With a focus on campus sustainability and local ecosystems, students designed pollinator gardens, removed invasive species, monitored storm drains, and managed composting and recycling programs throughout the school. Students also took the lead in educating staff, students, and parents in the community. Community partner Mara Spears of Groundswell shared: “One of the most inspiring aspects of this project is how student voice drives every step. They don’t just learn about environmental issues—they actively lead the way in addressing them.”
Pictured: Grand Rapids Montessori Academy E2 students integrate environmental stewardship activities and programs throughout the year including native plantings, educational signage, Salmon in the Classroom, macroinvertebrate sampling, and Lake Michigan water quality testing.
The project included community partnerships with organizations like John Ball Zoo, Groundswell, and the West Michigan Environmental Action Council. Students raised Chinook salmon for release into the Grand River, conducted stream sampling at Highland Park, and helped lead the City Nature Challenge using iNaturalist.
Whether educating peers, creating detailed garden maps, or presenting at STEAM Day events, students brought creativity, leadership, and passion to every part of the project. Their ongoing work exemplifies how sustainability can be woven into both classroom learning and community action. “This project encourages lifelong stewardship of the Great Lakes (and beyond), by guiding students to learn more and identify what they really care about, listening to what is important to students, and empowering them to make changes and educate others,” Spears added. “Students are ‘taking care’ of places around them and understanding the connections to the Great Lakes watershed/ ecosystem to further deepen their understanding of place.”
At Buchanan High School, environmental science students focused their efforts on restoring a prairie habitat in one of the school courtyards. With support from the Whole Child Collaborative - a Berrien RESA Student Organization, Michigan State University's Kellogg Biological Station, and the Michigan Department of Education's Teacher of the Year Program, students tackled real-world ecological challenges. Teacher Melissa Frost shares: “We recognize the vital role that birds and pollinators play in our ecosystem, and we aim to provide them with a thriving habitat. By restoring this area, we hope to enhance water, soil, and air quality, while deepening students' connections with their surroundings. This garden is not just a chance to revitalize our environment; it is also a space for learning and enjoyment.”
Pictured: A Buchanan High School Environmental Science student makes observations in the school campus’ prairie habitat corridor.
Working in groups, students created websites to present their solutions — ranging from removing invasive species and planting native flora, to creating ADA-accessible pathways. This hands-on project provided opportunities for nature journaling, biodiversity monitoring, and critical thinking about ecosystem health. The restored prairie now forms a habitat corridor connecting McCoy Creek to nearby neighborhoods and will serve as a living classroom for years to come.
“I firmly believe that students who develop a meaningful connection to their environment are more likely to become advocates for its protection in the future,” Frost added. “As an environmental science teacher, I consider this to be one of the most important responsibilities I have—to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards."
As each new class contributes to the habitat’s care, the project ensures a lasting environmental impact and inspires the next generation of ecological advocates.
Samantha Lichtenwald
Michigan Green Schools Coordinator
517-914-1257
MI Environment Team
517-284-9278
The Michigan Invasive Species Program continues to work with MSU and multiple local cooperative invasive species management areas to prevent the northward spread of hemlock woolly adelgid.
EGLE’s Fish Contaminant Monitoring Program will conduct monitoring in 10 water bodies with youth fishing events in 2025.
Fourth round of EGLE Renewables Ready Communities Awards will support building enough utility-scale solar and battery storage to power more than 1.8 million Michigan households
New tools are benefitting Michigan’s overstressed stormwater infrastructure.
Before you decide strike that match, it’s important to brush up on safe burning practices for outdoor cleanup projects.
The City of Southfield has some fresh advice on how to keep from wasting food.
Electronic waste recycling collection events are a good time to make sure the unwanted electronics around your home are properly recycled.
Helping to secure the 7-4 victory was EGLE Director Phil Roos.
Michigan’s new asbestos laws take effect on April 2 and are aimed at strengthening asbestos oversight and safety.
