| World news US
Federal Court orders $119 million judgment against former Edenville Dam owner, operator
The US District Court for the Western District of Michigan issued a substantial monetary judgment of $119,825,000 against Lee Mueller, the former owner and operator of the Edenville Dam, for his role in the 2020 catastrophic dam failure. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel made the announcement following the court’s decision, emphasizing the significance of holding accountable those responsible for endangering public safety and infrastructure. The Department of Attorney General had filed a motion seeking judgment on behalf of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in their pursuit of justice for the communities affected by the Edenville Dam disaster. Nessel stated: “The dam’s ownership completely disregarded imminent threats to the safety and integrity of the dam, and as the State clearly demonstrated before the Court, Lee Mueller and his business were responsible for the disaster that struck Edenville and other area communities. This nearly $120 million judgment is important, both as a measure of accountability to the community Mueller devastated and as a deterrent to other owners of critical infrastructure.” Governor Gretchen Whitmer, reflecting on the aftermath of the 2020 dam failure, expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts to
rebuild the affected communities. She acknowledged the resilience of Michiganders and thanked Attorney General Nessel for leading the prolonged legal efforts to bring justice to those who suffered due to the dam failure. Phil Roos, Director of EGLE, stressed the avoidable nature of the Edenville Dam failures and highlighted the court’s declaration that owners of critical infrastructure must prioritize the safety of the community and the environment. EGLE remains committed to supporting the community through permitting replacement structures as the rebuilding process continues. The judgment marks the conclusion of the State’s civil
enforcement action against Lee Mueller and his companies, who owned and operated the Edenville Dam. The legal proceedings began in June 2020, following the dam’s east embankment failure on May 19, 2020, leading to a catastrophic surge of water downstream. The court had previously ruled in February that Mueller himself was responsible for the failure and later in October that his company, Boyce Hydro, shared responsibility. The court’s ruling noted that the State had presented sufficient evidence demonstrating the defendants’ awareness of the dam’s vulnerability and their failure to inform EGLE of that vulnerability, assertions not disputed by the defendants.
Australia
Rookwood Weir completes construction In a significant milestone for Australia’s water infrastructure, the construction of the Rookwood Weir, the country’s largest since World War 2, has been successfully completed. The $568.9 million project, located west of Rockhampton, is set to yield 86,000 megalitres annually, providing a substantial boost to economic growth, agricultural production, and industry in Central Queensland. The completion of the Rookwood Weir marks a historic moment, being the largest weir finalized in Australia since World War 2 and the most extensive water infrastructure delivered since the completion of the Wyaralong Dam by the Queensland Government in 2011. Federal Environment and Water Minister
Tanya Plibersek, Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick, and Water Minister Glenn Butcher, along with local Queensland MPs and dignitaries, gathered on-site to commemorate the achievement. Minister Cameron Dick highlighted the
project’s economic impact, stating: “This generational piece of infrastructure will diversify Central Queensland’s economy, provide water security, create good long-term local jobs, and increase the prosperity of the entire region.” The construction, which commenced in late 2020, injected over $270 million into Central Queensland’s economy, creating more than 350 jobs. Importantly, over 30 apprentices and
trainees participated in the project, contributing to the workforce for future water projects in Queensland. The Rookwood Weir aims to secure water
resources for Central Queensland, playing a crucial role in driving economic growth. Over 36,000 megalitres of water from the weir have already been allocated for agricultural use, enabling local businesses and larger enterprises to expand and diversify. Queensland Minister for Water, Glenn
Butcher, emphasized the significance of the achievement, stating: “Rookwood Weir demonstrates the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to Central Queensland. We deliver on our promises and continue to invest in regional water infrastructure.” The completion of the Rookwood Weir
is expected to deliver long-term benefits to the region, providing water security and job creation. The first water from the weir is anticipated to be available for use in 2024. The project involved several supporting
initiatives, including upgrades to infrastructure such as the Capricorn Highway intersection, Thirsty Creek Road, Riverslea Bridge, Hanrahans Crossing, Foleyvale Bridge, and a new fishway at the Fitzroy River Barrage. Rookwood Weir was delivered through an Alliance comprised of Sunwater, construction partners ACCIONA and McCosker Contracting, and design partner GHD. Sunwater CEO, Glenn Stockton, expressed gratitude to all involved in the project,
acknowledging the challenges faced during construction. “A debt of gratitude also goes to Darumbal peoples and the neighbouring Jetimala and Gaangulu Nation peoples whose Country we have had a footprint on, local residents and the broader Central Queensland community for their support and positive contributions to the successful delivery of this vital regional asset,” he said. The weir also holds cultural significance, with an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) signed between the Queensland Government and Darumbal People Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC in April 2022. The Darumbal People, the Traditional Custodians of the land, provided a traditional language name for the weir – Rookwood Weir (Managibei Gamu), meaning ‘keeping-saving’ water. The ILUA ensures water allocation from the weir for the Darumbal People in perpetuity, supporting ongoing cultural and economic development opportunities.”
Asia
Capacity of hydropower plants in Central Asia set for 8900MW increase by 2035, suggests EDB’s Nikolai Podguzov Nikolai Podguzov, Chairman of the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) Management Board, has suggested that the capacity of hydroelectric power plants in Central Asia is set to surge by 8900MW by 2035. Speaking at the recent World Hydropower Congress in Bali, he said this
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