An application for Nestle Waters North America to complete construction on a well and pipeline in Osceola County for bottling drinking water has been approved by the Department of Environmental Quality.

The DEQ's review of Nestle's application included a public hearing, held on June 3 in Evart, along with reviewing extensive additional public comment on Nestle's planned 150 gallon-per-minute withdrawal from the nearby aquifer, and directionally boring beneath six regulated wetland areas to connect the White Cedar Osceola well into the existing water loading station in Evart. After reviewing all of the information received during the comment period, the department found that the proposal met Michigan's stringent permitting requirements and is not likely to pose an adverse impact on the area's surface or groundwater resources.

The permit allows completing construction of one well, installing pumping equipment, and building a pipeline from the well to the water transfer station in Evart. Installation of a second eight-inch diameter casing is also authorized beneath wetlands contiguous to Twin Creek for a future pipeline. The directional boring method does not disturb wetland vegetation or soil and is the least disruptive method for pipeline installation.

The department's response to concerns raised during the public comment period is available online along with the related documents at www.michigan.gov/deqnoncommunitywatersupply, or by calling 517-241-1370.

Editor's note: DEQ news releases are available on the department's Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

"Protecting Michigan's Environment, Ensuring Michigan's Future"

Revised August 28, 2008 by Pat Watson