EPA Approves Non-Hazardous Underground Well Injection Permits in Central Michigan
Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued three new permits and modifications to three existing permits to Michigan Potash Operating LLC to inject fluid underground in Osceola and Mecosta counties in Michigan.
These permits will allow the company to inject non-hazardous salt water from a proposed potash mining and processing facility for disposal into Class I wells. EPA solicited public input about the permits and responded in writing to all significant comments.
The permitting process was accelerated to be consistent with President Trump’s Executive Order, “Immediate Measures To Increase American Mineral Production.” Under EPA’s Underground Injection Control (UIC) program, the Safe Drinking Water Act requires EPA to regulate the injection of fluids into wells to protect the quality of underground sources of drinking water. EPA’s UIC program plays a key role in our nation’s economic future by protecting underground water supplies and ensuring that materials from industrial and energy projects are safely stored underground. Federal regulations require operators of Class I wells to inject waste into deep, confined rock formations below the deepest underground source of drinking water. All Class I wells must be cased and cemented to prevent the movement of fluids into or between underground sources of drinking water. Permits require active monitoring to confirm safe operation of the wells.