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Mike Prysby
Former District Engineer, MDEQ
State environmental engineer who approved Flint River use without corrosion control
Overview
Michael Prysby was a District Engineer with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality who approved the use of the Flint River as a drinking water source without requiring corrosion control treatment. His failure to require this standard treatment allowed lead from aging pipes to leach into the drinking water of approximately 100,000 Flint residents.
Key Affiliations
Controversies & Concerns
APPROVED WITHOUT CORROSION CONTROL: Prysby approved permits for Flint to use the Flint River without requiring corrosion control treatment, a standard practice required by federal law for water systems with lead service lines.
CRIMINAL CHARGES: In April 2016, Prysby was charged with misconduct in office, conspiracy, willful neglect of duty, and violations of the Michigan Safe Drinking Water Act.
INADEQUATE TREATMENT: Prysby was responsible for ensuring the Flint water treatment plant met standards but failed to require proper treatment before the switch from Detroit water.
PLEA DEAL: Under the original prosecution, Prysby entered a plea agreement, but charges were later dropped in 2019 when a new prosecutor took over. He was recharged in 2021.
Related Investigations (1)
Sources & Documentation
3 documented sources from official records, investigations, and reports
Michigan AG: Flint Water Investigation Charges (2016)
MLive: MDEQ Engineer Charged in Flint Crisis (2016)
Detroit Free Press: New Flint Water Charges Announced (2021)
Personal Information
Education
Key Timeline
2014-04
Approved Flint's use of Flint River water without corrosion control
2016-04-20
Charged with multiple criminal counts related to water crisis
2019-06
Charges dropped by incoming Solicitor General
2021-01-14
Recharged under new grand jury proceedings