More About the Stoneco Lawsuit
On July 17, the Sharon Township Board of Trustees voted unanimously to deny Stoneco a Special Land Use (SLU) Permit to mine 400 acres on Pleasant Lake Rd.
In an interview with the Sun Times News, Peter Psarouthakis, Deputy Township Supervisor, said “the next step is currently under discussion between the township and its advisors and counsel. Legally, the township has 21 days to respond to Stoneco’s filing but due to the extensive amount of documentation involved, there is likely to be a request for an extension.”
EGLE has launched a program that offers free well water testing to Michigan residents. Here is some information on the program.
How will well users access the free testing?
Visit the website: www.Michigan.gov/EGLEPrivateWells
This web page features the request portal and resource information useful to well owners including links to local health department contact information, links to “how-to” sampling videos, DHHS’ Care for MI Drinking Water website, and to the water well records. The web page also features useful resources like “Be Well Informed,” which is a great resource to help users understand what their lab results mean.
The request system does allow for local health department staff to assist citizens with their online requests and complete the questions on their behalf if needed. If a resident does not use email, they can write in no email available. They will be mailed the results.
When will the testing be available?
Testing is now available. Residents must request a test kit via the online portal themselves or with the assistance of someone like your staff or someone else they know who can make the online request.
What types of wells are eligible for free testing.
The appropriation specifically refers to private wells. The Type I Community Water Supply, Type II Noncommunity public water supply, and Type III public water supply wells are not eligible.
What tests are offered with this funding?
The standard water quality parameters:
Coliform bacteria
- Partial chemistry: nitrate, nitrite, fluoride, chloride, sulfate, sodium, hardness, and iron
Metals: aluminum, antimony, arsenic, boron, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, manganese, mercury, selenium, uranium, and zinc
What happens when a request is made by a well user?
When a user requests the analyses through the portal, an email with the request information is sent to the laboratory servicing the geographic area. The laboratories will send bottle kits directly to the well users with prepaid return mailers and instructions on sample collection. Upon receipt of samples, the laboratories will complete the analyses and prepare and send reports to the well user, the appropriate local health department, and EGLE. Shipping costs are free to the resident. Prepaid UPS return packing will be provided from the labs.
This is the list of laboratories at the initial launch:
EGLE Drinking Water Laboratory: All metals analyses. Lower peninsula coliform and partial chemistry tests. Partial chemistry parameters except for nitrates/nitrites tests due to short sample hold times.
Luce-Mackinac-Alger-Schoolcraft Laboratory: coliform and nitrate, nitrite tests for the eastern Upper Peninsula counties. This includes Alger, Chippewa, Delta, Luce, Mackinac, Menominee, and Schoolcraft counties.
White Water Associates contracted by Western UP Health Department: coliform and nitrate, nitrite tests for the eastern Upper Peninsula counties. This includes Baraga, Dickinson, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, Ontonagon, and Marquette counties.
Re-sampling info:
Samples with expired hold times will not be run. A new kit and sample will be required. Confirmation sampling is covered under this program.
Resamples will be allowed for compromised samples and exceedances of MCLs. The local health department may provide additional counseling and guidance to well users in these cases to assist them with determining how to operate and maintain their well or repair or replace as needed. This funding does not cover well repairs or replacement. Resources like the Ground Water Foundation will be posted on the website to help guide owners for assistance with well replacement if needed.