Workshop: Promoting Public Participation in Oil & Natural Gas Drilling Permits Oct. 11, 10am-4pm

Sierra Club Michigan Chapter Presents Promoting Meaningful Public Participation in Michigan Oil & Gas Permitting Decisions

Presentation & Workshop on Public Participation in Oil & Gas Permit Decisions, by Christopher Grobbel, Ph.D., Grobbel Environmental & Planning Associates, in collaboration with the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter Beyond Natural Gas & Oil Committee. 

When:  Saturday, October 11, 2014  10AM–4PM 

For more information and to register by October 8 -   Contact Rita Chapman at rita.chapman@sierraclub.org       No walk-up registrations! 

Where:  Kent District Library, Caledonia Branch, 6260 92nd St SE, Caledonia, MI 49316    

Who should come?  Participants will learn to read and comment on oil & natural gas drilling permits proposed in their communities, and about how to find more information.  We’ll cover technical information about the current Michigan Department of Environmental Quality regulations, Michigan geology, and other topics.  We'll also walk participants through a real permit application, and suggest items for potential comments. 

Cost – Bring a Friend and you Both Learn and Benefit for Less              $40 covers 2 people from the same township – bring someone with you who also wants to learn.  Otherwise,  $50 per person covers lunch and handouts.  Some scholarships are available, call ASAP!

Sierra Club’s Michigan Chapter has worked successfully for nearly 5 decades to protect, explore and enjoy our Great Lakes State and way of life.  Today, the 168,000 members and supporters of Sierra Club in Michigan stand ready to tackle current threats.  Our experienced staff and dedicated volunteers work hard to protect the places you love and to make sure your family has a healthy, safe Michigan to call home.  http://michigan.sierraclub.org

MDEQ HOLDING PUBLIC HEARINGS ON NEW DRAFT FRACKING RULES

If you are concerned about Fracking in Michigan - then we need you to speak out now!  

The MDEQ is now accepting comments on their new draft rules for hydraulic fracturing.  The comment period ends on Thursday July 31.  There are two public hearings - one in Gaylord on Tuesday July 15, and one in Lansing on July 16.  Both are from 6:30-9:30PM.  Details are in the official Public Notice here:  http://www.michigan.gov/documents/deq/deq-oogm-Part615-Revision-NOH2014_460477_7.pdf  

We need as many people as possible to attend these two hearings, and tell the DEQ:  

"These new rules don't make fracking any safer for Michigan; our air, water and communities are still at risk, and MDEQ needs to go much much further to protect us, or just stop allowing fracking."  

Would you be willing to go to one of the hearings, and help us to share that message?  

Won't you please join us?  Our attendance at these two hearings are one of the most direct ways we'll ever have of winning any positive changes in Michigan having to do with extracting fossil fuels.  If you live in an area of Michigan that has been subjected to new extreme hydraulic fracturing for natural gas or oil, then you have important input for the DEQ on their proposed rules.  Who better than you to tell them what it's like to live near one of these places?  

If you have any questions at all, let me know at rita.chapman@sierraclub.org.  

Thank you, I hope to hear from you!    

Rita Chapman

Sierra Club Michigan Chapter

Possible Oil Spill In Benzie County On Cold Creek

Posted: Apr 07, 2014 4:20 PM EDTUpdated: Apr 15, 2014 11:37 AM EDT

Developing news in Benzie County where the Department of Environmental Quality is investigating a possible oil spill.

An oily sheen can be seen in the Cold Creek in downtown Beulah, not far from Crystal Lake.

Pictures show booms in the water, and an oily substance near the water's edge.

But the DEQ says they still aren't sure if it is in fact oil or something else.

The DEQ says the substance could be a number of things, but didn't want to elaborate until they've met with the team who's been on scene for the last couple of days. They will meet Tuesday.

9&10 News will bring you continuing coverage as new details come in.

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BP-Canadian Tar Sands and The Environmental Expense to Lake Michigan

The Michigan Voice

Saturday, March 25

Developing story – BP oil spill, the BP oil disaster, the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, and now The Great Lakes of Michigan began on 25 March 2014 at the Whiting refinery (a new unit to process Canadian tar sands) more evidence of industrial pollution discharged into Lake Michigan. A less than massive response ensued to protect a sandy cove on BP’s property. Hear what U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Mark Kirk of Illinois had to say! And what else should Michiganders know about The Whiting plant?

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