Group challenging Michigan’s approval of Nestle’s water permit, which saw nearly 100% public comments against

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — A group is trying to stop Nestle Waters North America Inc. from pumping more western Michigan groundwater for its Ice Mountain brand.

Michigan Citizens for Water Conservation said Wednesday that within 60 days it will file a petition for a contested case against Michigan’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), which this month approved Nestle’s application to remove 400 gallons of water per minute from an Osceola Township aquifer. Nestle formerly had been permitted to withdraw 250 gallons per minute.

Nestle pays $200 a year for this right.

There were a record number of public comments in opposition to allow Nestle the permits in early April — with 80,945 against and 75 in favor. 

The DEQ approved the permits anyway, allowing the company to suck 576,000 gallons of water a day from the aquifer.

Nestle issued a statement saying more than 16 years of scientific data supported its application.

The DEQ declined comment.