A newly imposed requirement by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to test for PFAS chemicals in dredged sediments is delaying critical harbor dredging operations across the state — a move that federal officials, local stakeholders, and bipartisan members of Michigan's congressional delegation warn could have far-reaching economic consequences.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has already postponed dredging in Grand Haven’s inner harbor due to the new testing rules. At least 17 other federal harbor and river channels, including Holland, St. Joseph, and the Detroit, Clinton, Saginaw, and Black Rivers, are under scrutiny as potential sites where PFAS testing could soon be mandated.

The PFAS — or “forever chemicals” — are linked to serious health risks and are suspected to be present in dredged material at these locations. However, EGLE has yet to define acceptable PFAS thresholds in sediments or establish disposal guidelines for contaminated material, creating a regulatory limbo.

The uncertainty has triggered concern from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which warned that Michigan's testing policy could slash the number of dredging projects completed annually. A November 2024 analysis found that only three to five harbors might be dredged each year under the Corps’ $71 million 2025 budget — a sharp drop from the 24 projects originally planned.

“What’s going to potentially happen is you’re going to have Great Lakes shipping grinding to a halt,” said U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-Holland), who is calling for a moratorium on the policy until the state completes a thorough impact analysis. “I’m one of the founding members of the congressional PFAS Task Force. I understand the gravity of this issue. But we also need to balance this out… They need to figure that out, and they either can’t or refuse to.”

Rep. Hillary Scholten (D-Grand Rapids), whose district includes Grand Haven, echoed the concerns, warning that delayed dredging could severely disrupt commercial shipping. “If the channel becomes completely unnavigable for these commercial vessels, almost 2 million tons of aggregate delivery could be lost,” she said, adding that shipping costs could spike 25–30% due to lighter loading requirements for shallow harbors.

Scholten said she is pressing state regulators to fast-track development of sediment PFAS standards while working with EGLE and the Corps to authorize dredging in Grand Haven in the interim. “We want to make sure that we can balance the critical needs of consumer demands of our business sector, while also listening to the important environmental concerns that are at play here.”

In a letter to Huizenga, EGLE Director Phillip Roos emphasized that PFAS remain a serious public health concern, citing links to reproductive issues, birth defects, and elevated cancer risks. He noted Michigan’s history of taking aggressive steps, including the establishment of strict PFAS drinking water limits in 2020.

Still, EGLE said it remains committed to working with federal partners to find a path forward. “EGLE stands ready to collaborate with the Army Corps to ensure that their important work can continue while also remaining in compliance with Michigan laws protecting the environment and public health,” the department said in a statement.

Representatives from EGLE and the Army Corps are scheduled to meet this week to explore possible resolutions, as communities and businesses across Michigan await clarity on a policy that could reshape shipping logistics throughout the Great Lakes region.