Attorney General Nessel and EGLE Secure Relief Against Schlicht Ponds for Environmental Law Violations

Strategic Insights -

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced that the Ingham County Circuit Court has entered an order granting summary disposition in favor of the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) in a lawsuit filed against Scott Schlicht and Schlicht Ponds for environmental law violations. The court awarded EGLE a $150,000 civil fine and prohibited Schlicht from future inland lakes and wetlands violations of the Michigan Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. The case involves Schlicht Ponds' repeated violations of environmental laws in several Michigan counties, including Genesee, Jackson, Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, Roscommon, and Washtenaw counties. Schlicht Ponds performs services such as pond construction, excavation, and dredging without securing necessary permits or adhering to permit conditions. Despite repeated notices from EGLE, Schlicht Ponds continued to commit similar violations at numerous properties.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Ingham County Circuit Court granted summary disposition in favor of EGLE against Scott Schlicht and Schlicht Ponds, a company that constructs ponds and advertises general excavation projects in all Michigan counties.
  • Schlicht Ponds repeatedly failed to secure necessary permits or violated permit conditions for environmental projects in multiple counties, including Genesee, Jackson, Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, Roscommon, and Washtenaw counties.
  • The court ordered Schlicht Ponds to pay a $150,000 civil fine in four installments within one year, with the first installment due on October 14, 2025.
  • EGLE Director Phil Roos stated that environmental laws are in place to protect Michigan's natural resources and communities, and violators must be held accountable.
  • Attorney General Nessel emphasized that environmental laws are designed to protect natural resources and public health, and her department remains committed to working with EGLE to hold repeat violators accountable.
  • Schlicht Ponds performs services such as pond construction, excavation, and dredging without necessary permits or adhering to permit conditions, despite repeated notices from EGLE.

Statistics:

  • The civil fine awarded to EGLE is $150,000.
  • The amount of the first installment due on October 14, 2025, is $37,000.
  • Schlicht Ponds has been found to have committed environmental law violations in 7 Michigan counties.

Sources:

  • Michigan.gov Website
  • Michigan Attorney General's Office news release (September 4, 2025)