Bill Text: MI HCR0006 | 2017-2018 | 99th Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: A concurrent resolution to urge the Governor and the Department of Environmental Quality to reject Nestlé Waters North America Inc.'s application for an increased water withdrawal.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2017-04-19 - Referred To Committee On Natural Resources [HCR0006 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2017-HCR0006-Introduced.html
Rep. Sabo offered the following concurrent resolution:
House Concurrent Resolution No. 6.
A concurrent resolution to urge the Governor and the Department of Environmental Quality to reject Nestlé Waters North America Inc.'s application for an increased water withdrawal.
Whereas, Nestlé Waters North America Inc. has requested approval from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for an increased water withdrawal to produce bottled water. If approved, Nestlé would be authorized to withdraw up to 576,000 gallons per day of spring water, a 60 percent increase over their current withdrawal, to sell in bottles throughout the Midwest under its Ice Mountain brand; and
Whereas, The increased withdrawal would impact an area of Osceola County containing some of Michigan's most valuable natural resources. Located at the headwaters of Chippewa Creek and Twin Creek—coldwater trout streams flowing into the Muskegon River—the well would pump water that would otherwise flow to these streams, reducing streamflow and raising water temperatures, and pull water from nearby wetlands, impacting wildlife habitat and other wetland functions; and
Whereas, Nestlé's application does not provide sufficient information to evaluate the full impacts of its proposed increased withdrawal. Nestlé's analysis relies too much on hydrologic models that may underestimate the actual impact on wetlands and streams, rather than pump tests and actual data collection. In addition, its application fails to fully assess the potential impact on threatened and endangered species that may use these aquatic habitats; and
Whereas, Nestlé should be required to provide the most thorough evaluation and held to the highest standards before its increased withdrawal is approved. Only fourteen years ago, Nestlé improperly accounted for the impact of its withdrawals, spurring Michigan's citizens and courts to intervene to protect our state's natural resources. In response, the Legislature established the current process that recognizes the unique circumstances and potential resource impacts of withdrawals for bottled water. Nestlé has failed to meet those standards established by the Legislature in 2006 and 2008; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That we urge the Governor and the Department of Environmental Quality to reject Nestlé Waters North America Inc.'s application for an increased water withdrawal; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Governor and the Director of the Department of Environmental Quality.
