Mobile home water services provider, president plead to falsifying test results

LANSING, Mich. (WNEM) — A private mobile home water services provider and its president has pleaded to falsifying water safety and discharge tests to communities across the state, according to the Michigan Attorney General’s Office.

On Friday, June 12, Douglas Environmental pleaded no contest to conducting a criminal enterprise and six counts of forgery, the AG’s office said. President Brian Powell pleaded guilty to three counts of forgery.

The AG’s office said in 2023, Douglas Environmental, led by Powell, falsified water test results for Moon Lake Mobile Home Park in Shiawassee County, Thornapple Lake Estates in Barry County, and Fenton Harbor Condominiums in Genesee County.

Powel did not report water tests that exceeded maximum contaminant levels between 2020 and 2023 at Hickory Hills Mobile Homes in Calhoun County, Green Brook Estates in Livingston County, North Bay Mobile Home Park in Genesee County, Fenton Harbor in Genesee County, Vicinia Gardens in Genesee County, and Western Pines of Genesee County, said the AG’s office.

A Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy administrative review found data discrepancies between what was reported and what had been received from Douglas Environmental, said the AG’s office. EGLE conducted testing and determined that the public was not harmed in the scheme.

“Falsifying water safety and discharge tests can jeopardize public health,” said Attorney General Nessel. “While thankfully residents were not harmed in this particular instance, EGLE relies on accurate data to identify problems before they become threats to communities. My office will continue working with them to protect Michiganders and hold accountable those whose actions could compromise our water.”

Powell will be sentenced on July 9.

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