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EPA approves permit for Beeland Group

Release Date: 02/08/2008
Contact Information:

CONTACT: Phillippa Cannon, 312 353-6218, [email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 08 - OPA015

CHICAGO (Feb. 7, 2008) -U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has approved a permit for Beeland Group LLC, Jackson, Mich., to construct and operate a deep injection well in Alba, Mich. The permit only allows the disposal of nonhazardous liquid waste.

"EPA understands that people are concerned about the safety of underground injection wells," said Tinka Hyde, Acting EPA Water Division Director. "The agency has carefully reviewed Beeland's permit application, supporting technical information and public comments and has determined that the well can operate safely and will not harm sources of drinking water or the Jordan River."

Beeland Group plans to use the well to dispose of treated wastewater from an ongoing cleanup of a former cement kiln site at Bay Harbor, Mich., along Little Traverse Bay. The waste will be injected deep underground, more than 1,000 feet below the closest source of drinking water. Similar disposal wells operate elsewhere in Antrim County and are used to dispose of brine from oil and gas production.

More information about the permit, including a summary of comments received and EPA's responses, is available at www.epa.gov/region5/water/uic/beeland.htm The permit and summary will also be available at Bellaire Library, 111 S. Bridge St., Mancelona Township Library, 202 W. State St. and at EPA's regional office in Chicago, 77 W. Jackson Blvd.