Injection Wells
Stop the injection of toxic waste into our fresh water!
The Great Lakes Basin, home to 20% of the world’s freshwater, should not be a toxic waste dump.
Injection wells are toxic dump sites. They reach 5000 feet down through our groundwater aquifers and empty underground. They are not contained. In Michigan, there are over 1800 injection wells. Another 7000 Enhanced Oil Recovery (E.O.R.) injection wells pump freshwater to stimulate oil and gas production.
Background
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality hasn’t denied a permit for oil or gas injection wells in over 12 years. Injection wells are used to dispose of wastewater from oil and gas drilling. The water contains high levels of salt, BTEX chemicals, and sometimes radioactive material.
Only minimal staff from the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality monitors the wells. The oil and gas companies monitor themselves. The United States Geological Survey has determined that injection wells do cause earthquakes.
Injection wells coming to a site near you?
Ziyad Emara, a student at Greenhills School in Ann Arbor, chose to work with MCWC to map pending injection well permits as his eighth-grade sustainability project. He has completed his school project, but has decided to continue assisting MCWC in updating the map so that we can present the information citizens need to determine the risks of such wells in their communities. Take a look at this map to see where a well might be located near you and the potential environmental impact it may have. Consider filing comments and requests for hearings with the EPA and with EGLE. When communities raise their voices and call attention to these threats to our freshwater resources, we can make a difference. Click on the button for each location to get details on conditions near the site. If you want help in organizing, let us know. We have presentations and speakers on injection wells, as well as information on how to resist them.
Check out this new Google Map to find out.
MCWC’s Position
MCWC works with citizen groups in Mecosta, Barry, Oakland, Clare, and Gladwin Counties. We help people understand the risks associated with injection wells and encourage community engagement. Testify at hearings. Question the industry and government about the safety of injection well permitting and inspection.
MCWC believes the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality should monitor injection wells more closely. Older oil and gas wells within a mile radius of permitted injection wells should also be inspected. More safety recommendations are necessary to protect our groundwater.