The ongoing sewage dispute between Oakland and Macomb counties has escalated, with Michigan's Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) issuing an enforcement notice for violations to Oakland County. According to FOX 2 Detroit, the state department has addressed Oakland County's discharge of 1.18 million gallons of untreated sewage into the Red Run Drain on April 3, 2025—a considerable volume that follows a previous discharge of 2.2 million gallons. EGLE's notice, sent on June 27, warns of potential fines or penalties if compliance isn't met.
Macomb County officials, including Public Works Commissioner Candice Miller, have vocally criticized their neighbor for the pollution, emphasizing the urgency after discovering sanitary products along the banks of a waterway that is a tributary to the Clinton River. "What’s crystal clear today is that the state is not satisfied with Oakland County’s actions for years of repeated sanitary sewer overflows," Miller said in a statement reported by FOX 2 Detroit. The same source indicates that by July 28, Oakland County must review its hydraulic models and system capacities to identify potential improvements.
In a detailed statement, Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash fired back, stating the need for a regional approach to stormwater management in Southeast Michigan and called out Miller for politicizing the issue. "Macomb County’s Public Works Commissioner is trying to create controversy where there is none," Nash said, as noted by WXYZ.
State Senator Kevin Hertel, representing the U.S. shoreline of Lake St. Clair, joined the chorus demanding action from Oakland County. Hertel, as stated by the Michigan Senate Democrats, commended EGLE's decision to fine Oakland County, asserting that Macomb has been proactive in water infrastructure efforts. "Oakland County has taken the easy way out — choosing to deliberately dump their raw sewage into Lake St. Clair rather than address their structural deficiencies," Hertel stated.
EGLE seeks to ensure both counties collaborate to mitigate the issue, emphasizing the necessity for a combined effort to protect public waters. A potential consent order might encompass a compliance program, fines, and penalties to resolve the violations. Oakland County's request for a preliminary meeting with EGLE, as per the FOX 2 Detroit report, is a step towards addressing the state's environmental concerns and potentially averting further unauthorized discharges.
