November 8, 2005

Appearing before a meeting of the Senate Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee, Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven E. Chester discussed the issue of water withdrawals and the department's position on a recently introduced package of legislation designed to address the issue.

"I realize that getting to this point where we are finally considering water withdrawal legislation has been a difficult task with much at stake and many affected interests, and I am encouraged by the current attention of this Committee on establishing an effective water management program," said Director Chester. "While this legislation provides an initial framework for that approach, significant amendments are necessary before we can consider them an adequate first step."

The Senate Committee is currently discussing SB 850, SB 851, and SB 852, which seek to provide a regulatory framework in which to manage large scale water withdrawals from Michigan's waters.

Director Chester applauded the effort to establish the ability to oversee withdrawals over 2 million gallons per day through a permit requirement, allowing Michigan to finally fulfill the commitment made 20 years ago under the Great Lakes Charter Agreement, but said they lacked several key components needed to effectively protect Michigan's water.

Among the changes the DEQ feels are necessary are:

• All streams, not just trout streams as the legislation states, should be immediately protected from the potential adverse resource impacts of withdrawals between 100,000 and 2 million gallons per day (GPD).
• Withdrawals of greater than 2 million GPD from the Great Lakes must be subject to additional requirements to ensure the state's ability to protect against diversions out of the Great Lakes Basin.
• The state's ability to protect our water resources from harmful withdrawals should not be unduly restricted.
• The DEQ must be given the administrative ability to process permit requests through adequate funding and manageable, fair decision-making time frames.

"I appreciate the fact that the discussions that have occurred this past week have been complex and detailed , and I want to thank the individuals and organizations that took the time to participate in these discussions," concluded Director Chester. "The DEQ looks forward to working to further improve the legislation for the benefit of Michigan's citizens and our magnificent water resources."

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

"Protecting Michigan's Environment, Ensuring Michigan's Future"

Revised November 8, 2005 by Shirley Smith for Pat Watson