Attorney General Launches Criminal Investigation After Company Allegedly Failed to Report Dangerous Contaminant Levels
A Brighton-based water testing company and its president face serious criminal charges after allegedly falsifying water safety test results at private water systems serving mobile home communities across Michigan, including a site in Kalamazoo County.
Douglas Environmental and its president, Brian Powell, 57, of Brighton, were arraigned on March 30 on allegations they falsified water safety and discharge tests for private water systems serving mobile home communities throughout the state.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said Douglas Environmental is charged with one count of conducting a criminal enterprise, a 20-year felony, and six counts of forgery, each a 14-year felony.
Powell faces six counts of forgery and seven counts of Safe Drinking Water Act violations, each a one-year misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 per day of violation.
The investigation was conducted by the Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division and the Environmental Crime Unit following an administrative review by the state environmental agency that found discrepancies between reported data and records submitted by Douglas Environmental.
Kalamazoo County Among Locations Allegedly Affected
According to the attorney general's office, the company, through Powell, allegedly falsified water test results at systems serving multiple locations across Michigan, including:
Moon Lake Mobile Home Park in Shiawassee County
Fenton Harbor Condominiums in Genesee County
North Bay Mobile Home Park in Genesee County
Victory Gardens in Genesee County
Western Pines in Kalamazoo County
Green Brook Estates in Livingston County
Hickory Hills Mobile Homes in Calhoun County
Thornapple Lake Estates in Barry County
Prosecutors say the company falsified reports at Moon Lake and Fenton Harbor on at least six occasions in 2023.
The company also is accused of failing to report excessive contaminant levels in drinking water several times from 2020 to 2023 at the various sites listed above.
EGLE Director Calls Falsification 'Deeply Disappointing'
State regulators discovered the alleged discrepancies between reports and what Douglas Environmental submitted during an administrative review by the Michigan departments of Natural Resources and Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.
"Safe drinking water relies on honest testing," Attorney General Nessel said. "Falsifying reports jeopardizes the well-being of residents, and I am grateful for EGLE's and DNR's work to uncover and investigate these extremely troubling allegations."
EGLE Director Phil Roos added:
"It's deeply disappointing when individuals choose to falsify test results, they undermine the trust that communities place in the systems designed to safeguard them. Michigan residents deserve complete confidence that the water they rely on is safe."
The investigation was prompted by an administrative review that found significant gaps between what was actually measured in the water and what the company reported to state officials.
Public Not Harmed, But Charges Remain Severe
State officials said testing conducted by the agency found no evidence that the public was harmed by the alleged misreported data.
"Ensuring the safety of Michigan's drinking water is fundamental to protecting public health, and that starts with accurate, reliable data," EGLE Director Roos said. "It's deeply disappointing when individuals choose to falsify test results, they undermine the trust that communities place in the systems designed to safeguard them."
Despite the finding that no physical harm occurred, the severity of the charges reflects the importance of accurate reporting. False water quality reports can prevent authorities from ordering immediate boil water advisories or other protective measures that could save lives.
Powell Released on Bond, Scheduled for May Court Appearance
Powell was arraigned this week in Livingston County District Court and was released from custody after posting $10,000 bond.
He is scheduled to appear in court again on May 5.
The charges carry potential prison sentences totaling over 30 years if convicted on all counts. The Safe Drinking Water Act violations alone could result in fines exceeding millions of dollars given the $5,000 per day penalty for each violation.
Broader Pattern of Water Testing Failures
This case represents another instance where private contractors have failed to properly report water quality data in Michigan. The state's drinking water system relies heavily on private companies to conduct regular testing at private wells and systems, particularly in mobile home parks where infrastructure is older and more susceptible to contamination.
The Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division noted that their investigation followed a thorough administrative review process designed to catch such discrepancies before they become major public health issues.
The Environmental Crime Unit within the Attorney General's office is leading criminal prosecution, emphasizing the seriousness with which Michigan officials treat allegations of water testing fraud.
Community Vigilance Remains Critical
Residents of mobile home communities across Michigan are reminded that they should monitor local water quality alerts and remain vigilant about their water supply. Many mobile home park residents rely on private wells and have fewer resources available if water quality issues arise.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of independent water testing and the need for communities to maintain oversight of their water infrastructure.