Up North Progressive

Last night the Osceola Township Planning Commission denied a request by Nestlé Waters North America to build a pumping station as part of their intention to double the amount of ground water they extract and sell as Ice Mountain Spring Water.

Last fall, Nestlé began the process to double their output at the White Pine Springs location from 150 gallons per minute to 400 gallons per minute. They submitted an application with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality using a rule that had never been used before, but existed in the department’s rule book since 2008. Public comment is ongoing, and a public hearing was held on April 12, 2017 at Ferris State University. Overwhelming opposition to Nestlé’s application dominated the proceedings.

The township commission heard from both Nestlé and the public last night before entering a closed session. The permit was denied in a vote after the closed session ended. Nestlé still has the option to appeal the decision after they amend their request to answer questions and concerns of the Planning Commission.

Public outcry against Nestlé’s plan to drain the Muskegon River for profit is working. Water is a natural resource that should be free fall citizens of Michigan.