Mobile home water services provider company, president plead to falsifying water tests

LANSING, Mich. (News 10) - The president of a private mobile home water servicing company plead guilty to falsifying tests for water systems in mobile home communities across Michigan, the Attorney General announced on Monday.

On Friday, June 12, Brian Powell, a 57-year-old Brighton man, plead guilty to falsifying safety and water discharge tests for private water systems serving mobile home communities. In total, Powell plead guilty to three counts of forgery.

The company, Douglas Environmental, plead no contest to one count of conducting a criminal enterprise and six counts of forgery. Douglas Environmental also agreed to pay a $50,000 fine.

Private water service providers are required to submit regular water testing to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE.) If contaminant levels exceed numbers set by the state, providers are required to immediately notify EGLE.

At least six times in 2023, Douglas Environmental, under the direction of Powell, falsified water test results for systems servicing: Moon Lake Mobile Home Park in Shiawassee County, Thornapple Lake Estates in Barry County, and Fenton Harbor Condominiums in Genesee County.

Powell also failed to 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.

The state began investigating the reports after EGLE found discrepancies between data that was being reported and data sent from Douglas Environmental. Charges were brought in April.

Nessel’s office says Powell was solely responsible for reporting Douglas Environmental test results to EGLE.

Based on testing by EGLE, no one was harmed by 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 is set to be sentenced on July 9 in front of Judge Matthew J McGiveny.

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