LANSING — State Representative Bill LaVoy (D-Monroe) introduced legislation today aimed at protecting Michigan’s drinking and irrigation water. House Bill 4679 would prohibit the use of injection wells within a karst area, which is a formation of soluble rock. Hazardous materials stored in the wells could seep through it, undetected, contaminating groundwater and putting Michigan residents at risk.
“After attending important community meetings and having conversations with concerned constituents, I am proud to introduce legislation to protect the sensitive karst geology regions of Michigan,” LaVoy said.
The U.S. Geological Survey is mapping Michigan on a county-by-county basis to determine where karst formations exist. Officials determined that several parts of the state contain areas of karst. While other legislation has proposed limiting injection wells in certain locations, LaVoy’s bill would cover the whole state. In addition, LaVoy is pleased that a number of his Republican colleagues co-sponsored the bill.
“I learned of this issue because of the danger it poses to Monroe County. I feel it is critical we act to protect the neighboring counties of Lenawee, Washtenaw and Wayne as well as the entire state of Michigan and its large karst geological areas,” LaVoy said.