Snyder: Criminal charges in Flint water crisis are 'deeply troubling'

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder calls the criminal charges ties to the Flint water crisis "deeply troubling."

He addressed the media Wednesday after two state employees were accused of refusing to order chemical treatment that could have prevented the release of lead in old plumbing.

"These [charges] are deeply troubling and extremely serious," Snyder said.

The charges filed against Stephen Busch and Michael Prysby, who work at the state Department of Environmental Quality, include misdemeanor violations of Michigan's safe drinking water law.

Snyder said they've been suspended without pay.

“We have tens of thousands of dedicated, hardworking state employees, and I hope this doesn’t put a tarnish on the great work they’re doing every day to serve the citizens of Michigan,” he said.

Corrosion control wasn't added to water from the Flint River while the city used it for 18 months. That lack of treatment caused lead to leach from pipes as water flowed into homes and businesses.

Busch and Prysby also face felony charges.

While under state management, Flint switched water sources to save money while it awaited construction of a new pipeline to Lake Huron. Blood tests have revealed high lead levels in children.