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Local News

Fracking back in the news with proposal for brine disposal well in Barry County

The controversial issue of fracking in Barry County, which drew much public attention from the spring of 2012 until early 2015, is back in the news again with the EPA considering an application for a permit for a proposed brine disposal well in Johnstown Township.

 

Horizontal hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is the process of deep-shale natural gas drilling using high-pressure injection of water, sand and chemicals to release trapped gas reserves in rocks deep below the earth’s surface.

Critics have condemned the practice in many public forums,  warning of possible pollution of the air, water, ground and nature by the chemicals used and millions of gallons of ground water in the process.

The DEQ’s position is that fracking has caused no harm in Michigan and has been used here for more than 50 years.

 

The proposed brine well in Johnstown Township would store the materials used in fracking in Barry County. At the regular Johnstown Township meeting Wednesday, attendants were advised to sent their concerns to:

Ross Micham, U.S. EPA, UIC branch, (WU-16-J),

77 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, 60604-3590, with a  postmark no later than midnight, Oct. 24. They are to reference Swanson, 4-7 SWD, permit number MI-015-2D-0002.

 

Those interested can see the draft permit at the Hastings Public Library.

 

A public notice from the EPA to take public comment says they plan to allow Arbor Operating, in Traverse City, MI to inject fluid underground by approving the company’s application for a Class II injection well permit.

If approved, Arbor Operating could inject brine into a rock formation 2,000 feet below the surface through the well.  Arbor Operating has also applied for a permit from the MDEQ.

 

The EPA is accepting comments on the proposed permit ending Monday, October, 24. Writers may ask for a public hearing and if, “there is significant interest.” the EPA will schedule one.

 

“The EPA will consider all comments it receives, and then issue a final decision along with a response to the comments,” the notice reads.//

Informational meetings were held by Cedar Creek Pierce Institute, anti-fracking groups, and a town hall meeting with 87th State Representative Michael Callton.

Michigan State University Extension offered advice to property owners who were considering an oil or gas lease.

 

The Barry County Commission has been told by the county attorney several times that counties and townships can’t do anything to stop or control fracking.

 

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