Cheboygan Dam Danger Known for Years Before Flood Crisis, Officials Failed to Act
Local, state, and federal officials in Michigan were aware of the significant dangers posed by the Cheboygan Lock and Dam for several years before recent heavy rains pushed it to the brink of collapse, according to records obtained by Bridge Michigan. Despite repeated warnings, they failed to compel private owners to repair the nonfunctional hydroelectric plant connected to the publicly-owned dam, a critical component for managing floodwaters downstream.
Decades of Neglect and Ownership Changes
The facility, originally a Charmin toilet paper mill, has changed hands multiple times over decades, falling into disrepair under a series of private owners. Currently, the property is owned by Hom Paper XI, LLC, a business controlled by former NFL linebacker Thomas Homco, who did not respond to requests for comment. Taxpayers are now funding a desperate, round-the-clock effort to restore the plant before the dam fails, which could send a wall of water toward downtown Cheboygan.
Richard Sangster, a Cheboygan County commissioner and former mayor, expressed deep concern about the handling of the situation. "I'm very concerned that this was not handled properly," he said, referring to federal regulatory actions over several years. Cheboygan County Sheriff Todd Ross noted that state and local officials did what they could, but "It's privately owned. There's only so much we can do."
Regulatory Warnings and Safety Violations
Records show that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the primary regulator of hydropower dams, sent warning letters for years to various owners while granting multiple extensions for repairs. Issues cited included:
- Missing inspection records
- Malfunctioning equipment crucial for flood management
- Cracked concrete and damaged retaining walls and gates, noted as far back as 2019
In 2021, FERC warned owners that "multiple items are overdue and completion dates are rapidly approaching." The plant was cited 16 times in 10 months for safety violations by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration before a fire closed it in September 2023, prompting further repair orders and extensions.
Historical Context and Broader Implications
This crisis echoes the failure of the privately-owned Midland dams six years ago, which followed a similar pattern of regulatory delay. After Midland, Michigan legislators vowed to prioritize dam safety but did not enact proposed reforms. State Sen. John Damoose, R-Harbor Springs, criticized the mismanagement, stating, "This is a problem that could happen all over the state... we need to take some serious looks at how we allow this to go on."
Governor Gretchen Whitmer acknowledged the complexity, saying "there's no simple answer" due to the mix of private and public ownership. The dam's history includes ownership by utilities like Consumers Energy, which sold it to the state in 1967, and later by Procter & Gamble, which secured a FERC licensing exemption in 1983 before shutting down operations in 1990.
Current Emergency Response and Future Concerns
An estimated 75 Consumers Energy workers are now at the dam attempting to restore the hydroelectric plant, with signs pointing to imminent restoration according to Bruce Straub, Consumers' incident commander. However, the plant remained nonfunctional as of Thursday night, reducing the dam's ability to pass floodwaters that had climbed within five inches of its crest. Residents in the floodzone have been urged to prepare for potential evacuation.
Sharen Lange, a Cheboygan business owner, highlighted the need for long-term solutions, noting that private ownership has led to poor outcomes. "We know that it being in private hands has produced a really bad result," she said, suggesting that city or county ownership might be considered. The public cost of repairs is unclear, but estimates from years ago indicated at least $1 million was needed, with taxpayers now footing the bill for emergency efforts.
