Michigan dam break shows need to plan for changing climate, groups say

May 2020

Environmental groups say a catastrophic dam break that sent floodwaters charging into Midland underscores the need to invest in infrastructure that can withstand a changing climate in the Midwest.

The Edenville Dam in Gladwin County collapsed on Tuesday evening, May 20, after several days of heavy rain swelled rivers across the region. The breach sent floodwaters rushing down the Tittabawassee River and has displaced about 10,000 people from downstream areas.

Michigan environmental groups issued statements following the collapse, pointing to the need to invest in infrastructure that can withstand ever wetter conditions.

Academic experts and climate advocates groups say such infrastructure failures are to be expected when water control structures like the Edenville Dam aren’t adequately maintained.