May 5, 2005

On May 2, the Department of Environmental Quality reached an agreement with Stoneco, Inc. of Detour Township in Chippewa County to resolve alleged violations of Part 625, Supervisor of Mineral Wells, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended. Stoneco failed to obtain a blanket mineral well permit and post a conformance bond for the drilling of 15 test wells in Chippewa County. After drilling the test wells without a permit, Stoneco failed to promptly plug the test wells as required by the statute.

Stoneco has agreed to pay a penalty in the amount of $19,176 and implement a $10,000 Supplemental Environmental Project. The purpose of the SEP is to promote environmental compliance with Part 625 by members of the aggregate industry by conducting Mineral Well Regulatory Workshops. Stoneco will work with the Michigan Aggregates Association to develop workshops that will be offered through their training program. The DEQ Office of Geological Survey will oversee and approve the materials that will be presented at the workshops.

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

Revised May 5, 2005 by Pat Watson