Former owner of failed Michigan dam ordered to pay $120 million by judge

A judge has signed a $120 million order against Lee Mueller, the former owner of a failed dam in Michigan, for environmental damage caused when the structure collapsed in 2020. However, it is uncertain if the state will be able to collect the money as Mueller has filed for bankruptcy protection. The collapse of the Edenville Dam resulted in the flooding of the city of Midland, temporary evacuations, and the destruction of homes. The state attributes the failure to poor maintenance and lack of critical repairs. In addition to the state's legal action, affected property owners are also filing lawsuits against regulators for their alleged role in the disaster.