May 24, 2006

The Department of Environmental Quality has allocated $2,500,000 to extend municipal water to residences in the Green Ridge Subdivision located within Laketon Township, Muskegon County. The project will provide residents with a clean, safe source of drinking water.

Historical production activities at the Laketon Oil Field has caused oil and brine contamination in the soil and groundwater. Cleanup actions are in progress at the oil field, however, groundwater contamination has migrated to the subdivision where monitoring has identified more than 50 residential drinking water wells being affected.

“This project will give the residents of this community the peace of mind that the water coming out of their tap is safe to drink,” said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester. “Protecting the health of our citizens must remain a DEQ top priority.”

Laketon Township officials have agreed to extend the township’s municipal water main to the entrance of the subdivision. State funds will be used to construct the water main within the subdivision, connect the affected properties, and plug the existing wells.

Funding for the project is from a limited pool of funds available for soil and groundwater cleanup, brownfield redevelopment, and the provision of alternate water supplies.

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 May 24, 2006 by Pat Watson