WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
A St. Joseph County dam is rated in poor condition, according to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy.
The state agency said the Portage Plant Dam in Three Rivers is one of five in the state considered “high hazard” and in poor condition as deemed by the state. The Portage Plant Dam, which once generated electricity, creates Hoffman Pond and is located on the Portage River.
The Portage Power Company, which owns the dam, has not submitted required inspection reports nor an updated emergency-action plan, according to the department.
By definition, dams classified as high hazard are those that pose a risk to human life if the structures failed.
The state’s other high hazard-dams are in Ottawa and Schoolcraft counties, and two in Cheboygan County.
I believe the Sturgis dam is also listed as a risk in the last report I saw a few months ago.
And the Constantine Dam.
St Joe River Dam failure dangers
Indiana-Michigan Power (aka AEP) has been rated as HIGHEST DANGER for CATASTROPIHIC FAILURE
HAZARD POTENTIAL: The possible adverse incremental consequences that result from the release of water or stored contents due to failure of the dam or mis-operation of the dam or appurtenances.
I&M operates the hydro-electric dam upstream.
Michigan DAM Program Statistics 2018 (yes, it’s worse 2 years later)
State-regulated dams: 1061
High hazard potential: 89
Significant hazard potential: 133
Low hazard potential: 839
There are multiple agencies “in charge” of particular dams (many privately owned) making it a smorgasbord of rules and enforcement. Most are not held to standards because guess who owns the lawmakers and enforcement?
https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2020/05/24/dam-safety-unit-2-staff-supervisor-1000-dams/5247566002/
If you really want to know how deeply you’re screwed: http://www.livingneardams.org/