vvEPA Agency Plans to Approve Renewal of United States Underground Injection Well Permits Environmental Protection Agency Consumers Energy Ottawa County, Michigan August 2012 Public comment period set The EPA is seeking comments on the Consumers Energy injection well #IW- 1 and #IW-2 draft permits. EPA will consider and respond to all comments before making a decision. The comment period closes Tuesday, September 4. How to comment Send written comments to: Allan Batka U.S. EPA (WU-16J) 77 W. Jackson Blvd. Chicago, IL 60604-3590 batka.allan@epa.gov If EPA receives many comments, the Agency may hold a public hearing. We will publish a notice at least 30 days before the hearing. During the public comment period, you may request a public hearing in writing, stating the issues you want to raise. Right to appeal You have the right to appeal any final permit decision to the Environmental Appeals Board if you made an official comment during the comment period. For more information You may see the draft permit at Loutit District Library 407 Columbus St. Grand Haven For an appointment to visit EPA's Chicago office, contact Allan Batka at 312-353-7316 or batka.allan@epa.gov. You may also visit www.epa.gov/region5/water/uic/uicpu b.htm. Call EPA toll-free at 800-621-8431, weekdays, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 0 0.5 1 Mile This map shows the location of the existing Consumers Energy> injection wells. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency plans to approve a request from Consumers Energy of Zeeland, Michigan, for renewal of two permits to dispose of non-hazardous wastewater deep underground. EPA reviewed the Consumers Energy application and found no significant environmental impact from the continued operation of the existing wells. The Agency is seeking public comments on the proposed permit renewal (see box, left) and could change its decision based on those comments. The Safe Drinking Water Act authorizes the EPA to regulate the underground injection of fluids through wells to protect underground sources of drinking water. Consumers Energy is using the two wells to dispose of wastewater from the production of electricity. They are what EPA calls Class I non-hazardous injection wells. The fluid is injected into rock formations 5,040 feet below the surface. All Class I wells must meet federal standards. One of those standards is drilling the well in a place where wastewater can be injected into a rock formation that is deeper than the lowest underground source of drinking water. All Class I wells are encased in cement to prevent the movement of fluids into or between underground sources of drinking water. LII-1.5P-1I-0 0 0 + -Sr -00 0' ------- |