ANN ARBOR, Mich., Sept. 14, 2023 — Mid-Michigan Materials has withdrawn its application to raise its water withdrawal limit at its Vella Pit property in Ann Arbor Township after a public outcry over concerns that their plan would continue to dry out local residents’ wells and pollute surrounding water sources. The Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) conducted an inspection of the Vella Pit property on Sept. 6, which resulted in a violation notice. Several Ann Arbor legislators responded to the news.
“If enacted, Mid-Michigan Materials’ plan to withdraw more water would have affected the health and well-being of the Ann Arbor Township community by depleting the aquifer further,” said state Rep. Jennifer Conlin (D-Ann Arbor Township). “The proposed site already has a low water table. Exploiting this natural resource would have caused pollution to run off into our rivers and streams. I commend all those who raised their voices in opposition to Mid-Michigan Materials.”
“I applaud today’s swift action by EGLE to protect Ann Arbor Township residents,” said state Rep. Jason Morgan (D-Ann Arbor). “Mid-Michigan Materials was seeking to extract millions of additional gallons of water from our community while draining residential wells in the process. My colleagues and I will continue to work with EGLE and Ann Arbor Township to protect residents and our natural resources.”
“I’m relieved to hear that EGLE has denied the water withdrawal permit for the Vella sand and gravel extraction pit,” said state Sen. Sue Shink (D-Northfield Township). “I attended several meetings and had many conversations about concerns from residents about the site’s impact on the water table and wells, as well as ongoing concerns about pollutants, contamination and runoff. Our state has a responsibility to our constituents to protect both Michigan’s environment and the public health of our residents from adverse impacts, and in this case, we are taking steps in the right direction to achieve both of those goals.”