Residents Demand Answers Over Flooding From Industrial Site

Neighbors say a nearby industrial operation is causing water issues beyond its property line.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 3:35am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, out-of-focus photograph showing a flooded backyard with blurred, warm-toned colors, conceptually representing the disruption and frustration felt by local residents due to the industrial site's impact on the surrounding area.Residents in Carrollton Township say a nearby industrial site has altered the local landscape, leading to increased flooding and water issues on neighboring properties.Saginaw Today

Residents in Carrollton Township, Michigan are raising concerns about an industrial site that they say has changed the local landscape, leading to increased flooding and water issues on neighboring properties. Despite reaching out to multiple government agencies, the residents claim they have received little response or accountability from officials.

Why it matters

This story highlights the tension that can arise when industrial development impacts surrounding residential areas, especially when it comes to environmental issues like flooding. It also raises questions about regulatory oversight and the responsibility of businesses to mitigate the effects of their operations on the local community.

The details

The industrial site in question has brought in thousands of yards of fill, raising the property above the surrounding homes. Residents say this has altered the natural water flow, causing water to spread onto their properties after heavy rains. They have had to install drainage systems to try to manage the excess water, and are also concerned about potential groundwater issues impacting their crops and yields.

  • For more than a year, neighbors have been voicing concerns about the industrial site.
  • Last year, residents had to install drain tiles to help mitigate the flooding issues.
  • After recent storms, the residents say the impact of the water issues is getting worse.

The players

Keith Remelts

A resident of Carrollton Township who has been vocal about the issues caused by the industrial site.

Carrollton Township

The local government entity that residents say has not adequately responded to their concerns.

EGLE

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, one of the agencies residents have contacted about the issues.

EPA

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, another agency residents have reached out to.

FEMA

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, which residents have also contacted regarding the flooding concerns.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'What you're seeing behind me used to be a field. Decades ago, was farmland and even before that, it was a ballfield and park.'”

— Keith Remelts, Resident

“'I've reached out to the Township, EGLE, the EPA, and even FEMA. Every single organization has either not responded, or they all point to the other organization saying, 'that's their territory.'”

— Keith Remelts, Resident

“'Last year, we had to install drain tiles in order to help mitigate some of the issues we've been facing over the last couple of years because of this.'”

— Keith Remelts, Resident

“'Over the last few years, we've noticed issues with our crops and yields, because of the excess water that we now face.'”

— Keith Remelts, Resident

“'We would like somebody to stand up and take some form of accountability.'”

— Keith Remelts, Resident

What’s next

Residents say they will continue to pursue FOIA requests and file additional complaints with local and state agencies in an effort to get a closer look at how the industrial site is operating and its impact on the surrounding area.

The takeaway

This story highlights the challenges that can arise when industrial development encroaches on residential areas, and the importance of effective communication and accountability between businesses, local government, and the community. It underscores the need for robust environmental regulations and oversight to ensure that industrial operations do not adversely impact neighboring properties.