Michigan Nestle Water Bottling Public Comments in Support

S TATE OF M ICHIGAN
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

L ANSING
RICK SNYDER C. HEIDI GRETHER
GOVERNOR DIRECTOR
October 22, 2018
VIA E-MAIL Tracking code: FOIA 3891-18
Mr. Ken Klippenstein

The Daily Beast
360 West Washington Avenue, Unit 1114
Madison, Wisconsin 53703
Dear Mr. Klippenstein,
This notice responds to your April 4, 2018, email (see enclosed), received by the Michigan
Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) on April 5, 2018, requesting information under
the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL 15.231 et seq., that you described as “[a] copy of
the public comments in favor of Nestlé’s request to DEQ to pump 576,000 gallons of water each
day from the White Pine Springs well in the Great Lakes Basin. NPR reported that there were
75 such comments in favor.”
Your request is granted in part and denied in part.
As to the partial grant, enclosed are copies of responsive records containing non-exempt
information. The MDEQ states that, to the best of its knowledge, information, and belief, the
enclosed records represent all of the existing, non-exempt information in the MDEQ’s possession
falling within the scope of your request.
As to the partial denial, portions of the records have been redacted under 13(1)(a) of the FOIA,
MCL 15.243(1)(a), which provides that “[a] public body may exempt from disclosure as a public
record under this act . . . [i]nformation of a personal nature if public disclosure of the information
would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of an individual’s privacy.”
In raising the privacy exemption, the MDEQ relies on Mager v Dep’t of State Police, 460 Mich
134, 145-146; 595 NW2d 142 (1999), where the Michigan Supreme Court noted that “[the core]
purpose [of the FOIA] is not fostered by disclosure of information about private citizens that is
accumulated in various governmental files but that reveals little or nothing about an agency’s
own conduct.”
In this particular instance, the redacted information is composed of personal names, addresses,
email addresses, as well as, telephone and cellphone numbers.
Please note that ongoing quality control and assessment of the 75 comments originally
identified as being in favor of the Nestlé permit have resulted in 18 of those comments being
moved to other categories. As such, 57 records were determined responsive to your request.
As to the partial denial, under Section 10 of the FOIA, MCL 15.240, the MDEQ is obligated to
inform you that you may do the following:
CONSTITUTION HALL • 525 WEST ALLEGAN STREET • P.O. BOX 30473 • LANSING, MICHIGAN 48909-7973
www.michigan.gov/DEQ • (800) 662-9278
Mr. Ken Klippenstein
Page 2
October 22, 2018
1) You may appeal this decision in writing to the Administration Deputy Director, Department of
Environmental Quality, P.O. Box 30473, Lansing, Michigan 48909-7973. The writing must
specifically state the word “appeal” and identify the basis for which the disclosure determination
should be reversed. The Administration Deputy Director, or her delegated designee, must
respond to the appeal within 10 business days of its receipt. Under unusual circumstances, the
time for response to the appeal may be extended by 10 business days.
2) You may commence a civil action in the Court of Claims within 180 days after the date of the
final determination to deny the request. If you prevail in such an action, the court is to award
reasonable attorney fees, costs, and disbursements, and possible damages.
You may access the MDEQ’s website that contains information about our FOIA policy and
procedure, public written summary, and several online databases at www.michigan.gov/deqfoia.
Karen Edlin, Special Projects FOIA Coordinator

MDEQ
517-284-6856
DEQfoia@michigan.gov
Enclosures
From: Jenny Rounds
To: DEQ-EH
Subject: Comment in support of Nestle"s increased water withdrawal
Date: Friday, April 21, 2017 4:42:43 PM
Note: this is a second copy of a comment I just submitted, but as soon as I sent the first one, I
realized that it was part of a chain of emails, and the formatting might not come through quite
right because of that. Sorry for the duplication.
Dear DEQ,
Thank you for reading my comment, along with the more than 50,000 other comments you
have received from the public. I also want to thank you for the professionalism with which
the DEQ handled the Public Hearing on April 12. You definitely gave people a chance to
be heard, regardless of how extreme their opinion. I felt you communicated well-written
information during the informational portion of the evening, and that your staff at the tables
responded in a very helpful, gracious manner to the questions asked by those attending.
I am writing this comment from the unique perspective of my position as the Osceola
Township clerk. Please pardon the length of my comment, and the fact that some of this is
just speaking from my heart. I'm sure you've heard plenty of passion from the other side, so
even though some of what I'm telling you does not directly relate to the standards of Section
17, I feel compelled to get it all on paper.
My term began this past November, and as you can imagine, I had no idea what I was getting
into as a new clerk! I came into the position not really familiar with much of the controversy,
but soon heard from residents who were expressing quite vocally their opposition to the water
withdrawal at the board meetings. I quickly realized I needed to ask questions and learn all I
could in order to serve the people of my township. If there was a genuine reason for
concern over the impact to our environment and their wells, I wanted to be a voice for
the township's welfare; if the concerns were simply based on fear and misinformation, I
wanted to be a voice of truth because I didn't want the township residents living in fear
of something that wasn't actually a threat.
I began by wading through the copy of their application and supporting materials. Frankly, I
had no idea before this of the level of monitoring that had been conducted in our area, and that
it had been done for so many years. I read about the stream flow monitoring, the aquatic
insect survey, the water depth measurements . . . I asked questions to understand terms like
"cone of depression" and attended open houses. And, I began to realize that groundwater,
something I hadn't really thought about since high school science class, was not an
"underground tank" that would run out; it was a resource that was replenished. If managed in
a sustainable manner (such as Nestle's proposed use), there would be no "adverse
resource impact" or drying up of anyone's wells.
As I tried to sort it all out, I basically read anything I could get my hands on: Michigan
statutes regarding water withdrawal, Nestle information, concerns voiced by FLOW and
MCWC, DEQ handouts . . . I found solid, scientific data on one side, and opinion and
misinformation on the other side. Throughout this process, I have found Nestle's resource
manager, Arlene, and the scientists doing the monitoring to be completely transparent and
willing to answer any of my questions (and I've had a lot!).
I also began to recognize and appreciate the role Nestle plays in our township. I realized
that Nestle wasn't just some far-away Swiss corporation, looking to steal our water and suck
our wells dry--it's people who who live, work and play in this community. Nestle is the
scientists who come month after month to monitor our watershed-- what other community has
so much analysis and protection happening with their groundwater? As a township official, I
feel that our residents are actually better protected with Nestle in our township because it
allows us to have this on-going monitoring of our groundwater, springs and streams .
Nestle is the man standing in front of me in line at the B.C. PIzza, who works at the plant in
Stanwood and brings home money to support his growing family. It's my friend's husband,
who was out of work for months, and now has his dignity back as he works in a position
he loves.
And Nestle is the kids, gathered in the open field, waiting for the helicopter hovering above to
drop 10,000 Easter eggs, an event sponsored by Nestle (along with many other things which
benefit our area). I live in an area of great need, with the many challenges of generational
poverty including children who go to bed hungry, a literacy crisis, and families on the edge of
losing it all. We have many battles to fight, and frankly, Nestle shouldn't be one of them.
I would rather work alongside Nestle as a community partner seeking to make a
difference in the lives of families in our area.
Wrestling through all of this as a new township clerk has not been an easy process. You
probably heard that Nestle's application for a zoning permit to build their booster pump station
was denied by our Planning Commission on 4/18/17, a decision with which I do not agree. It
has been an on-going challenge for me to figure out what the truth is, when to speak and when
to be quiet so that I can work alongside people rather than be in conflict-- emotions run high
about this issue. I sympathize with the difficulty that you face in sorting through the
clamoring voices to make a decision based on truth.
A wise, more experienced public official spoke some encouragement to me recently . . . he

said that it's important to keep my eye on being a good leader, which means equitably
applying the law to everyone in a fair way, and to also keep my eyes on the science instead of
public opinion. He said it is easy to just hear the voices who are speaking the loudest, but that
there are more people than you may realize who feel differently, and they are watching to see
what decisions are made. In the past few days since the township Planning Commission
decision, I have seen that to be true as many people have come forward to express their
disappointment in the decision about the booster pump station zoning. I believe that there is
still hope for a good resolution of this zoning decision. As you make your decision about
the increased water withdrawal under Section 17, please remember that there are many
people who may not feel compelled to make a public comment, but who are watching and
waiting for the DEQ to do the right thing.
I feel blessed to live in a water-rich area. When I canoe down the Muskegon river, I see the
water pouring out of the free-flowing wells along the river. We have so much water that it is
bubbling out of the ground all over our township! I am passionate about protecting the
Muskegon river that flows through my backyard. I love driving past the Chippewa Creek as it
makes it's way through our township. And, I love hearing my husband's stories of catching
trout around town in Twin Creek (I just wish he had more time to actually fish!). I anticipate
being able to enjoy all of these things for years to come without any fear of Nestle's activities
in our area. I believe the science is sound so I can be confident that there will not be an
adverse resource impact for the people in the township that I have been elected to serve-- the
people for whom I care deeply. Thus, I would like to submit this comment in support of
Nestle's application for the increased water withdrawal.
Thanks for your patience with my long comment. I hope you are able to at least enjoy a good
cup of coffee while you sort through all these comments! :)
Thank you,
Jenny Rounds
Jenny Rounds
Osceola Township Clerk
231-515-2016
clerkosceola@gmail.com
--
Jenny Rounds
231-515-2016
From: Jenny Rounds
To: DEQ-EH
Subject: DEQ comment in support of Nestle"s increased water withdrawal
Dear DEQ,
Thank you for reading my comment, along with the more than 50,000 other comments you
have received from the public. I also want to thank you for the professionalism with which
the DEQ handled the Public Hearing on April 12. You definitely gave people a chance to
be heard, regardless of how extreme their opinion. I felt you communicated well-written
information during the informational portion of the evening, and that your staff at the tables
responded in a very helpful, gracious manner to the questions asked by those attending.
I am writing this comment from the unique perspective of my position as the Osceola
Township clerk. Please pardon the length of my comment, and the fact that some of this is
just speaking from my heart. I'm sure you've heard plenty of passion from the other side, so
even though some of what I'm telling you does not directly relate to the standards of Section
17, I feel compelled to get it all on paper.
My term began this past November, and as you can imagine, I had no idea what I was getting
into as a new clerk! I came into the position not really familiar with much of the controversy,
but soon heard from residents who were expressing quite vocally their opposition to the water
withdrawal at the board meetings. I quickly realized I needed to ask questions and learn all I
could in order to serve the people of my township. If there was a genuine reason for
concern over the impact to our environment and their wells, I wanted to be a voice for
the township's welfare; if the concerns were simply based on fear and misinformation, I
wanted to be a voice of truth because I didn't want the township residents living in fear
of something that wasn't actually a threat.
I began by wading through the copy of their application and supporting materials. Frankly, I
had no idea before this of the level of monitoring that had been conducted in our area, and that
it had been done for so many years. I read about the stream flow monitoring, the aquatic
insect survey, the water depth measurements . . . I asked questions to understand terms like
"cone of depression" and attended open houses. And, I began to realize that groundwater,
something I hadn't really thought about since high school science class, was not an
"underground tank" that would run out; it was a resource that was replenished. If managed in
a sustainable manner (such as Nestle's proposed use), there would be no "adverse
resource impact" or drying up of anyone's wells.
As I tried to sort it all out, I basically read anything I could get my hands on: Michigan
statutes regarding water withdrawal, Nestle information, concerns voiced by FLOW and
MCWC, DEQ handouts . . . I found solid, scientific data on one side, and opinion and
misinformation on the other side. Throughout this process, I have found Nestle's resource
manager, Arlene, and the scientists doing the monitoring to be completely transparent and
willing to answer any of my questions (and I've had a lot!).
I also began to recognize and appreciate the role Nestle plays in our township. I realized
that Nestle wasn't just some far-away Swiss corporation, looking to steal our water and suck
our wells dry--it's people who who live, work and play in this community. Nestle is the
scientists who come month after month to monitor our watershed-- what other community has
so much analysis and protection happening with their groundwater? As a township official, I
feel that our residents are actually better protected with Nestle in our township because it
allows us to have this on-going monitoring of our groundwater, springs and streams .
Nestle is the man standing in front of me in line at the B.C. PIzza, who works at the plant in
Stanwood and brings home money to support his growing family. It's my friend's husband,
who was out of work for months, and now has his dignity back as he works in a position
he loves.
And Nestle is the kids, gathered in the open field, waiting for the helicopter hovering above to
drop 10,000 Easter eggs, an event sponsored by Nestle (along with many other things which
benefit our area). I live in an area of great need, with the many challenges of generational
poverty including children who go to bed hungry, a literacy crisis, and families on the edge of
losing it all. We have many battles to fight, and frankly, Nestle shouldn't be one of them.
Instead, I would rather have them as a community partner who seeks to make a positive
impact in the lives of the families in our area.
Wrestling through all of this as a new township clerk has not been an easy process. You
probably heard that Nestle's application for a zoning permit to build their booster pump station
was denied by our Planning Commission on 4/18/17, a decision with which I do not agree. It
has been an on-going challenge for me to figure out what the truth is, when to speak and when
to be quiet so that I can work alongside people rather than be in conflict-- emotions run high
about this issue. I sympathize with the difficulty that you face in sorting through the
clamoring voices to make a decision based on truth.
A wise, more experienced public official spoke some encouragement to me recently . . . he

said that it's important to keep my eye on being a good leader, which means equitably
applying the law to everyone in a fair way, and to also keep my eyes on the science instead of
public opinion. He said it is easy to just hear the voices who are speaking the loudest, but that
there are more people than we may realize who feel differently, and they are watching to see
what decisions are made. In the past few days since the township Planning Commission
decision, I have seen that to be true as many people have come forward to express their
disappointment in the decision about the booster pump station zoning. I believe that there is
still hope for a good resolution of our local zoning decision. As you make your decision
about the increased water withdrawal under Section 17, please remember that there are
many people who may not feel compelled to make a public comment, but who are
watching and waiting for the DEQ to do the right thing.
I feel blessed to live in a water-rich area. When I canoe down the Muskegon river, I see the
water pouring out of the free-flowing wells along the river. We have so much water that it is
bubbling out of the ground all over our township! I am passionate about protecting the
Muskegon river that flows through my backyard. I love driving past the Chippewa Creek as it
makes it's way through our township. And, I love hearing my husband's stories of catching
trout around town in Twin Creek (I just wish he had more time to actually fish!). I anticipate
being able to enjoy all of these things for years to come without any fear of Nestle's activities
in our area. I believe the science is sound so I can be confident that there will not be an
adverse resource impact for the people in the township that I have been elected to serve-- the
people for whom I care deeply. Thus, I would like to submit this comment in support of
Nestle's application for the increased water withdrawal.
Thanks for your patience with my long comment. I hope you are able to at least enjoy a good
cup of coffee while you sort through all these comments! :)
Thank you,
Jenny Rounds
Jenny Rounds
231-515-2016
--
Jenny Rounds
231-515-2016
From: Mia Finnestad
To: DEQ-EH
Cc:
Subject: Extra Credit-Ice Mountain Update
Date: Wednesday, November 02, 2016 1:23:25 PM
In my opinion, increasing the water rate from 250 gallons to 400 gallons per minute will be
beneficial. The Wood Tv 8 news cast mentioned that this could provide numerous jobs to
americans. Although I see how this can be a problem with violating water rights, and it will
increase tax rates, I think this is something that needs to be done. Producing more water to our
rapid growing american society is a necessity.
From: Bill Stelzer
To: DEQ-EH
Subject: Fwd: Public Comment regarding Nestle Waters NA Permit Application to increase withdrawal rate from the well
near Evart, MI
Date: Monday, April 17, 2017 1:08:26 PM
To: MDEQ Drinking Water and Municipal Assistance Division
Dear Sirs,
Following are my comments on the subject withdrawal request.
I will begin by stating that I am in favor of granting Nestle's request for increased
withdrawal from the Evart well. I am a professional working geologist with general
knowledge of groundwater issues and I am also a property owner of acreage in
section 14 of Mecosta Twp located within a mile of the water plant. As a working
geologist I am familiar with the water withdrawal requirements of the MDEQ and I
have also reviewed the material presented by the MDEQ in conjunction with
the public hearing for the permit. I find it curious that for the many the
objections stated by the public to granting the permit, the informational video only had
97 viewing's. This suggests to me that many people did not take the time to review
the pertinent information relative to the granting of the permit and their objections are
a "gut" reaction and not based on factual information.
I treasure Michigan's natural resources, including it's water resources and I spend a
good deal of time outdoors hunting and fishing in Michigan's streams and lakes. I am
of the opinion that Michigan's resources are for use of it's citizens, which also
includes prudent commercial use as regulated by the MDEQ. These uses include
municipal use, dairy, farming and crop irrigation, manufacturing, tourism and water
recreation. The Nestle water withdrawal request should not be singled out for
objection from all these other uses, including for the reason not all water used
remains in the local watershed. The same is true for other high water use products
such as milk and beer production and large water volumes lost to evaporation from
crop and golf course irrigation.
In summary, I believe the Nestle water withdrawal request meets to criteria

established by the MDEQ and should be granted.
William T Stelzer
Consulting Geologist
1500 Kendale Blvd, Suite 301
East Lansing, MI 48823
Office 517 203-3385
cell 517 290-0367
From: @gmail.com
To: DEQ-EH
Subject: Ice Mountain
Date: Sunday, January 15, 2017 4:24:01 PM
I am in complete favor of the permit to pump more water at the Evert location
Diane Diehm
From: @yahoo.com
To: DEQ-EH
Subject: Ice Mountain permit approval
Date: Wednesday, January 11, 2017 5:20:33 PM
As residents of the area for 9 years, we have seen no dire consequences subjected upon us
by Ice Mountain wishing to increase the drawdown on their wells. Through our research, we
have found that Ice Mountain has cultivated an all-encompassing stewardship, and executed
the utmost care regarding people, plants, fish, and insects. They have gone above and
beyond, in our opinion to insure that no harm will come about because of the increase. We
are confident that they will be ever so vigilant in their monitoring of this well, for the
integrity of future sustainability.
Robert & Patricia Donegan

Canadian Lakes, MI
From: info@midmichiganhonorflight.com
To: DEQ-EH
Subject: Ice Mountain permit
Ice Mountain has been an exceptional neighbor in our community. They give back, their employees
are engaged, and we feel their gratitude for their success from our water. We appreciate them, and
feel that they are being responsible stewards of our water resources.
Tricia Donegan, Hub Director

Mid-Michigan Honor Flight
It's never too late to thank a Veteran.
Mid-Michigan Honor Flight

From: Kenn Vredenburg
To: DEQ-EH
Subject: Ice Mountain Public Comment
Date: Thursday, March 02, 2017 3:07:23 PM
To whom it may concern
I would like to comment on the current Ice Mountain permit to increase it withdrawal rates for
the White Pine Springs project. am the Supervisor/Assessor for Austin Township, Mecosta
County, I have been in this position since May 1999. In approximately 2002 Ice Mountain had
came to the area Townships and met with us to see if there was a possibility of creating a
water bottling facility here in Mecosta County. At that time they had already been monitoring
the area Hydrological system for a few years, with those early results that they had compiled
they predicted that they could build a water bottling plant and not drastically impact the local
water levels. Over the years since then we have met twice a year in the early years and once a
year in the -later years to go over their monitoring stats. We as Township Supervisors were
concerned early on as to what this endeavor may show, but in the years to follow we have
learned a lot about the environment and have become very comfortable with the withdrawal
amounts that Ice Mountain calculate that they can withdraw without substantial effect on the
local ground water. We as Township Supervisors have implemented a well advisory
committee which would investigate if there were any wells that may have been affected from
Ice Mountain Pumping Operations, to date we have not had any occasions where Ice Mountain
pumping had affected any well water wells. I as a Township Supervisor and community
member done some legwork early on to learn more about some of the pumping activities in the
area, one interesting thing that came to light is that the City of Big Rapids moved its source of
water from the Muskegon River to a Ground water well near the Big Rapids Airport, in talking
to the water department at that time they had estimated that their pumping was on average
about 400/gal a minute 24/7 as I recall, they indicated that this was for actual billings and that
excess would be about 10-15% more for actual pumping. In Conclusion with all the
information that Ice Mountain has collected and maintained over the last 15+ years I am
convinced that they have been very good stewards of the Ground Water in Michigan and that
have the best interest of everyone involved. One thing that we have to remember here is that
Ice Mountain is only providing a product that the consumer wants and needs, there are areas in
the county where good water is not available, it is a blessing that we here in central
Michigan are fortunate enough to have the resources and recharge to enable us to provide this
extremely valuable resource, Secondary it has provided the local area eith decent paying jobs
and a increased tax base.
With that I believe the permit to increase the withdrawal rate is warranted knowing that we
have worked with these folks for the last 15+years and they have never led us with false
information or intent, Early on we believed that they would not invest 100 million dollars in a
plant and not expect to be here in 20 years, and the only way they could do that is to protect
that environment that they are withdrawing from.
Thanks
Sincerely
Kenn Vredenburg
Austin Township
Supervisro/Assessor
231-250-7341
@gmail.com
From: @aol.com
To: DEQ-EH
Subject: Ice Mountain
Date: Tuesday, January 03, 2017 11:50:23 PM
Hello,
I am in agreement with ice mountain, they should increase their water production. We need to keep clean
drinking water available to the public at all times. Just in case another crisis develop, which I hope not.
As long as we recycle the plastic bottles, I don't fore see any danger. Great Lakes water has been
replenishing it self as long as there has been the Great Lakes. No one country can drink that much water.
Michigan has so many lakes, rivers and streams that flow together supporting each other. I keep a case
of bottled water in my home for emergencies and even that might not be enough.
Savannah
From: Geer, Jason
To: DEQ-EH
Subject: Ice Mountain-Nestle Waters North America Water Withdrawal permit
This message was sent securely using ZixCorp.
The Michigan Chamber of Commerce encourages the Michigan Department of Environmental

Quality to approve the water withdrawal permit for Nestle /Ice Mountain. Nestle has demonstrated
through their lengthy study that this new withdrawal will not have an adverse impact on water
resources or the environment. The science clearly supports approval of this permit and we
encourage the department to approve the withdrawal permit as soon as possible.
Thanks for your time.
Jason Geer
Director of Energy & Environmental Policy
Michigan Chamber of Commerce
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
This message was secured by ZixCorp(R).
From: Patricia Donegan
To: DEQ-EH
Subject: Ice Mountain"s recent application for increased drawdown of White Pines Well
I am confident that Ice Mountain would do no harm, intentionally, to the sustainability of

the water resources from the White Pines Well. I have learned that they go above and
beyond in their testing, and monitoring, to insure that they are not harming wildlife, plant
life, or people-life in our community. I was very impressed with their recent informational
meeting in Canadian Lakes, where I learned that they are equally concerned about the
effect on plant life, fish, and insects, in the areas where they have wells. It stands to
reason that they would not knowingly subject their own employees to a dire situation with
their business of pumping water from local wells. It doesn't make sense.
No one can accurately predict what the results on our environment, will be, with 100%
assurance. There are too many variables. But I am very confident and applaud, the
extraordinary efforts Ice Mountain executes, to maintain the ecosystem where they have
wells.
I would also like to add that Ice Mountain has reached out into the communities in Evart
and Morton Township, investing money and time, to partner with groups and organizations,
to explain the process of evaporation and hydrology, and their staff is very competent.
Educating our community about sustainable water resources has been a great asset. I am
so much wiser for their information exchange.
Please help them achieve their goals. We will all benefit from this increase in drawdown. it
is a win-win in my opinion, worthy of your approval.
Patricia Donegan
Club House Dr. E.
Stanwood, MI 49346
Today is a good day for a good day.

From: Douglas Trembath
To: DEQ-EH; Muskegon River Watershed Assembly; Douglas Trembath
Subject: Nestle"
Date: Wednesday, April 12, 2017 8:54:11 PM
I have waited a long time to express my opinion lest I offend some of my friends and neighbors. Finally, I
concluded that their opinions have offended me for some time. Therefore, I share the following:
The Nestle' permit request for 400 gpm should be granted for the following reasons:
1. The Strawberry Lake or Twin Creek watershed has so much water that 400 gpm will have no effect.
2. I ran the Evart City Water Dep't for 12.5 years. In the late 90's we pumped 985 Million gallons in one
year. That amounts to an average of virtually 2.700 million gal/day or 1874 g/min. That is over 4 times
the requested amount.
3. The static water level in that wellfield never dropped below 24'.
4. Earlier, I ran pump and well efficiency tests while working for a well drilling company. Those results
showed more water than anyone could use.
5. I know of at least 50 artesian wells between M-66 and 50th Ave in Osceola County. At least 3 of
those wells put out more than 400 gpm.
6. What isn't drawn out and used will continue to move SW in the Muskegon River aquifer eventually
venting to the river, and Lake Michigan, and the Atlantic Ocean.
7. MCWC's contentions are appealing to emotions and are not consistent with science.
8. A number of their arguments regarding water shortage in various areas are true, but have no impact
on water usage in our area, or more importantly, our usage has no effect on their shortage.
9. The request of statewide hearings are an emotional appeal, and a total waste of time and money.
Even if other persons were familiar with the science of our watershed, the have no inherent interest.
They are in a different watershed.
10. Until I retired, I had D-1 and S-2 water licenses from the State of Michigan. I Also worked in the
water supply industry for 35 years.
11. Michigan was recently a net importer of bottled water. More was shipped in than was sent out to
other markets.
12. Why do people buy bottled water? Marketing. If you don't like it, don't buy bottled water, and work
with your municipality.
13. If this water was used for Coke or Miller Lite, no one would say anything.
Sincerely
Douglas Trembath
River St
Sears, MI 49679
From: Joshua Hunter
To: DEQ-EH
Subject: Nestle Permit - Public Comments
Date: Thursday, April 13, 2017 10:56:57 AM
I believe the permit should be granted to Nestle. It is my understanding that water levels
are rising in an area that has the most fresh water in the world and I think the pumping
would have hardly any impact.
However, I believe the state should create legislation to create tradable water rights instead
of stricter permits or regulations. The State could give Michigan citizens and property
owners tradable certificates which entitles them to pump water above a certain amount
according to the current regulations. If a company wants to pump more water, they can
buy them from other certificate holders. This would directly compensate those who will be
most affected.
Regards,
Joshua Hunter
Berkley, MI
From: Hannah Green
To: DEQ-EH
Subject: Nestle Water Pumping
Date: Tuesday, November 22, 2016 2:05:20 PM
Dear Carrie Monosmith,

Michigan is the only state surrounded by freshwater and that it a large source for the U.S.
Increasing the amount of water pumped by Nestle from 150 gallons to 400 gallons per minute
will help areas in need of freshwater. If Nestle is willing to invest $36 million into expanding
their company and into the Michigan economy, then it must be for a worthwhile cause.
Thank you, Sarah Martin and Hannah Green

From: james
To: DEQ-EH
Subject: Nestle water withdrawal
Date: Friday, March 03, 2017 3:22:19 PM
DEQ, I support the approval of the Nestle permit for additional water withdrawal. As
a farm kid, fisherman, hunter, retired engineer, conservationist, and land owner I say
yes. I followed the original request and permit and understand how Nestle benefited
the Evart community. Also understand the issues with the fair grounds contamination
and Nestle response. I am not a soda or beer drinker, I drink city water with chlorine
filtered out. I also buy about 15 cases of bottled water a year for use at a remote
cabin and when driving. We do "release" all our bottled water back to Michigan. So
for us non soda or beer drinking people our bottled liquid of choice is water. No
cannery, manufacturing, or other waste produced. I don't picket, block traffic, wave
signs and yell to try to get MY WAY, nope, just enjoy our wonderful state and pay my
taxes and sometimes want water in a bottle. Jim Sneathen Grand Rapids,
Charlevoix, and Grayling
Sent from XFINITY Connect Mobile App

From: Andy Duffy
To: DEQ-EH
Subject: Nestle water
Date: Wednesday, February 01, 2017 12:58:19 PM
I've been in contact with experts who understand how much water lies under Osceola County.
I realize Nestle can take up to 400 gallons per minute without harming the environment. I see
no reason for the DEQ to deny the Nestle permit application for its Osceola Township well.
Andy Duffy
From: Joe Geelhoed
To: DEQ-EH
Subject: Nestle Waters North America
Date: Monday, February 27, 2017 9:59:40 AM
I would like to make a comment on the Section 17 Application for the White Pine Springs Site. I
attended both of the Nestle open houses near Evart. Nestle has studied and has volumes of data
since before they first started pumping water from Production Well PW-101. They have
demonstrated to me that they have met the requirements of the law and will not harm the aquifer
or any of the neighboring wells, creeks or wetlands. If they damage the aquifer, the money they
have invested in their buildings and pipelines will be lost. And also, they wouldn’t be able to supply
their factory with sufficient water. I think Nestle’s request should be granted.
Joe Geelhoed
Rosewood Ave S
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
616-262-
From: Eugpenn
To: DEQ-EH
Subject: Nestle
Date: Thursday, April 06, 2017 5:40:48 PM
Nestle should be approved .

From: Matthew Lindner
To: DEQ-EH
Subject: Please ignore those who don"t understand the water issue with Nestle
Date: Monday, November 07, 2016 3:24:32 AM
There seems to be a lot of people online trying to stop Nestle from taking water. They simply don't understand the
scientific facts that the amount of water being pumped by Nestle is negligible compared to all ground water uses in
Michigan. Please dismiss their comments.
Disclaimer: This is my personal opinion and not paid for by anyone.
Matthew Lindner
From: Erik Johnson
To: DEQ-EH
Subject: Public Comment Nestle water withdrawal increase
Date: Friday, November 04, 2016 10:09:23 AM
Regarding the request by Nestlé Waters North America, Evart, Osceola County, for a proposed
increased large quantity water withdrawal made under Section 17 of the Michigan Safe Drinking
Water Act, 1976 PA 399 I have the following comment:
Michigan has so much water it is absurd to worry about this insignificant water withdrawal increase.
There is 82 million GPM leaving the state via the St. Clair River. I approve of Nestle’s plans for the
increase. This will ensure jobs for Michigan residents and support Michigan’s struggling economy.
EriK A. Johnson, PE, CPG
Blarney Castle Oil Co.
PO Box 246
Bear Lake, Michigan 49614
Office: 231-864-3111
Fax: 231-864-2303
From: Nate Carpenter
To: DEQ-EH
Subject: Public comment on well PW-101, White Pine Springs site
Date: Thursday, February 23, 2017 3:20:34 PM
Dear Michigan Department of Environmental Quality ,
I would like to submit a public comment in regards to Nestlé's application at the White Pine
Springs well in Osceola Township.
Do it.
Sincerely,
Nate Carpenter
Grand Rapids, MI
From: Jeffrey Von Glahn
To: DEQ-EH
Go for it!
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Von Glahn

ANN ARBOR, MI
From: Nicholas trottier
To: DEQ-EH
Date: Friday, February 24, 2017 12:20:04 PM
It's fine if Michigan residents get a substantial rebate on the cost of purchase
Sincerely,
Nicholas trottier
Taylor, MI
From: Richard Hanson
To: DEQ-EH
Date: Friday, February 24, 2017 11:13:11 AM
Sounds good to me. More business for Michigan and will not hurt our water supply at all.
Sincerely,
Richard Hanson
Haslett, MI
From: Andrew Hunter DeYoung
To: DEQ-EH
This is no different than any other natural resource being pulled from any location whether it
be city, state, or federally located. I have no problem with this. I go to school in flint home of
the water crisis and have witnessed first hand how problems occurred. This can not be tied to
that at all. I urge that the DEQ allow this to happen.
Sincerely,
Andrew Hunter DeYoung

Muskegon, MI
From: Peter Ermatinger
To: DEQ-EH
I support Nestle's plan to increase water production in Evart. They have proven themselves
good stewards of the resource. I believe the increased withdrawal will not harm the ecosystem.
Sincerely,
Peter Ermatinger
Evart, MI
From: Jack Klee
To: DEQ-EH
I am in full support of Nestles plan to expand production at Evart plant and recommend
Michigan DEQ approve the request. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Jack Klee
Kalamazoo, MI
From: Blake Pradko
To: DEQ-EH
Date: Saturday, February 25, 2017 10:49:58 AM
Yes
Sincerely,
Blake Pradko
New Baltimore, MI
From: James hoffer
To: DEQ-EH
Date: Sunday, February 26, 2017 1:43:22 PM
I think it is great that you have done the proper reviews and urge you to issue the permit.
These crazy environmental groups who oppose the science you have done need to understand
that they stand in the way of jobs for no recognizable benefit. Approve the permit. Thanks you
Sincerely,
James hoffer
Farmington, MI
From: Richard Kennedy
To: DEQ-EH
Approve it unless science says it's a bad idea not just emotion.
Sincerely,
Richard Kennedy
Livonia, MI
From: Bill Evans
To: DEQ-EH
I see no problem with this plan to double the amount of water removed from the watershed.
There are six quadrillion gallons of water in the Great Lakes. This is literally a drop in the
bucket. Also it has absolutely nothing to do with the Flint situation.
Sincerely,
Bill Evans
Glennie, MI
From: Theodore Badgley
To: DEQ-EH
Date: Tuesday, February 28, 2017 5:08:29 PM
I think Nestle is doing the right thing by making a profit. They are producing something that
people demand, not crying about fairness. Let them take the water
Sincerely,
Theodore Badgley
Clarkston, MI
From: S Paul Byl
To: DEQ-EH
Date: Sunday, April 16, 2017 11:54:45 PM
Let them have the water. Why pick on a water company, why not a beer or sofa pop company?
Sincerely,
S Paul Byl
Washington, DC
From: Nick Paralemos
To: Grether, Heidi (DEQ)
Date: Wednesday, March 01, 2017 2:25:43 PM
Dear Ms Heidi Grether,
I am for the Nestle project. What a great publicity for our state. It employs our residents and it
is a renewable resource. So calm down and stop following the panic stricken.
Sincerely,
Nick Paralemos
Ann Arbor, MI
From: Theodore Badgley
Date: Tuesday, February 28, 2017 5:08:29 PM
I think Nestle is doing the right thing by making a profit. They are producing something that
people demand, not crying about fairness. Let them take the water
Sincerely,
Theodore Badgley
Clarkston, MI
From: Richard Kennedy
Approve it unless science says it's a bad idea not just emotion.
Sincerely,
Richard Kennedy
Livonia, MI
From: Bill Evans
I see no problem with this plan to double the amount of water removed from the watershed.
There are six quadrillion gallons of water in the Great Lakes. This is literally a drop in the
bucket. Also it has absolutely nothing to do with the Flint situation.
Sincerely,
Bill Evans
Glennie, MI
From: James hoffer
I think it is great that you have done the proper reviews and urge you to issue the permit.
These crazy environmental groups who oppose the science you have done need to understand
that they stand in the way of jobs for no recognizable benefit. Approve the permit. Thanks you
Sincerely,
James hoffer
Farmington, MI
From: Melody Plescher
Better here then another drought ridden state like california which is riddled with bottling
companies. Plus would setting up in this area create more jobs? Honestly all I could ask is that
it be taxed a bit so our state makes more money.
Sincerely,
Melody Plescher
Coopersville, MI
From: Ashley lown
Date: Saturday, February 25, 2017 3:50:58 PM
Agree
Sincerely,
Ashley lown
Plainwell, MI
From: Blake Pradko
Yes
Sincerely,
Blake Pradko
New Baltimore, MI
From: Richard Dickson
Providing safeguards are in place to prevent over usage, we should let Nestle bring jobs to
Landing, reducing our unemployment and giving people dependent on welfare the chance to
regain their self respect by gainfull employment
Sincerely,
Richard Dickson
Zeeland, MI
From: Peter Ermatinger
I support Nestle's plan to increase water production in Evart. They have proven themselves
good stewards of the resource. I believe the increased withdrawal will not harm the ecosystem.
Sincerely,
Peter Ermatinger
Evart, MI
From: Jack Klee
I am in full support of Nestles plan to expand production at Evart plant and recommend
Michigan DEQ approve the request. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Jack Klee
Kalamazoo, MI
From: Andrew Hunter DeYoung
This is no different than any other natural resource being pulled from any location whether it
be city, state, or federally located. I have no problem with this. I go to school in flint home of
the water crisis and have witnessed first hand how problems occurred. This can not be tied to
that at all. I urge that the DEQ allow this to happen.
Sincerely,
Andrew Hunter DeYoung

Muskegon, MI
From: Nicholas trottier
It's fine if Michigan residents get a substantial rebate on the cost of purchase
Sincerely,
Nicholas trottier
Taylor, MI
From: Richard Hanson
Date: Friday, February 24, 2017 11:13:11 AM
Sounds good to me. More business for Michigan and will not hurt our water supply at all.
Sincerely,
Richard Hanson
Haslett, MI
From: Nate Carpenter
Do it.
Sincerely,
Nate Carpenter
Grand Rapids, MI
From: Jeffrey Von Glahn
Go for it!
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Von Glahn

ANN ARBOR, MI
From: Tycho Aussie
To: DEQ-EH
Subject: Re: Nestle water permit comment
Date: Wednesday, April 19, 2017 5:08:29 PM
Hi, I am Daniel Burk, of Haslett Rd, Haslett MI, 48840. Phone (517)339-
No affiliation with Nestle in any way.
Why all the hype and emotion about "protecting our resources" and a seemingly popular
movement to deny Nestle's permit?
I just do not see any sound science behind any of these eloquent pleas to deny the permit. It all
boils down to just pure emotional reaction , paranoia, and hyperbole.
To me, I see it as a simple mathematical model: If Nestle's 400 GPM draw is covered by
annual aquifer recharge, and the neighbors are experiencing little to no harmful effects to their
own water usage, then I see no harm!
The watersheds of the greater great lakes basin contain a vast amount of water resources, and
we lose billions of gallons each day to evaporation into the atmosphere from our great lakes.
The lakes in turn, receive much precipitation from the atmosphere that blows in from the
West, from regions outside the great lakes basin. It is a rather robust and resilient ecosystem.
In terms of water usage, I suspect that the campus of Michigan State University likely is a
larger water user than Nestle.
So to me, it seems a simple matter of two questions:

1) Does the well in Evart adversely impact the neighbors ability to access water?
2) Does the well cause net discharge of the aquifer that exceeds the annual ability of the
aquifer to recharge from ground water?
If the answer is No to these two fundamental questions, then I see no reason to deny their
request.
That's my opinion. Thank you for reading it.

From: al@alweinberg.com on behalf of Al Weinberg
To: DEQ-EH
Subject: regarding Nestlé Waters North America, Inc.’s application to increase the large quantity water withdrawal from
Production Well-101, located in Evart, Osceola County, under Section 17 of the Michigan Safe Drinking Water
Act, 1976 PA 399, as amended.
Date: Thursday, March 09, 2017 9:16:09 AM
To whom it may concern.
I believe that this permit should be approved. The water usage is minimal compared
to other industrial and agricultural uses. Thank you for supporting local business.
--
Al Weinberg
Frontline Specialists
7974 110th Ave
Evart MI 49631
(231) 679-4998
www.frontlinespecialists.com
www.facebook.com/alweinberg
www.facebook.com/frontlinespecialists
From: David
To: DEQ-EH
Subject: Support Ice Mountain
Date: Friday, March 03, 2017 3:48:15 PM
To whom it may concern
Michigan has some of the best ground water laws in the nation. As long as Ice Mountain meets the requirements,
they should be granted their permit.
Ice Mountain has been doing business in the state of Michigan for over a decade and in that time they've proven to
manage their natural resources responsibly.
Ice Mountain representatives have been open about the proposed increase, going to public meetings here in our area
(regardless of what the media has portrayed).
Ice Mountain has invested heavily into our communities here in mid-Michigan.
Bottled water companies are already held at a higher standard than any other large water user in the state. As long as
Ice Mountain meets the requirements as stated by the ground water laws of Michigan, they should be granted their
permit.
I, as a consumer should have the right to choose a healthy beverage option (like bottled water) over the high calorie
drinks full of sugar. Our country is in an obesity crisis. We need healthy alternatives. There is a need for bottled
water.
Thank you
David V
Michigan resident
Sent from my iPhone

From: john marcelletti
To: DEQ-EH
Subject: Support of Nestle proposal for well increase.
Date: Tuesday, November 29, 2016 5:12:53 PM
As a native of Michigan, I support the latest proposal submitted for the increase of pumping
from the commercial wells in the Nestle bottled water plant. This is assuming the figures they
put into the proposal are accurate and the DEQ has evaluated them.
Regards,
John
--
John P. Marcelletti
Cell: 585-748
http://www.linkedin.com/in/johnpmarcelletti
From: @sms.myboostmobile.com
To: DEQ-EH
Date: Saturday, February 25, 2017 8:17:27 PM
I think Nestle should be able to have the water as long as it does not affect the residents.
From: Mist Rider
To: DEQ-EH
Subject: Water usage
Date: Thursday, November 03, 2016 11:37:41 AM
To who it may concern:
I am in favour of Ice Mnt..Nestles Waters obtaining water usage...
To me the so called (many) activist are wanna bes..with out knowledge of much of
anything..Mostly all are sheep..being led...
--
!! FREEDOM!!
From: Mist Rider
To: DEQ-EH
Subject: WZZM newest news...Ice Mountain...3-8-2017
Date: Wednesday, March 08, 2017 10:27:19 AM
WZZM seems to not have facts straight...seems really not to have any facts other then trying
to pose Nestle as a scam...They seem to keep humans in a turmoil about news that the humans
like..... The turmoil PPL , they need a real job! It is always something as you are aware...
We will continue to purchase Ice Mnt Spring water! TY Nestles...

--
!! FREEDOM!!

Michigan Nestle Water Bottling Public Comments in Support

Hochgeladen von

Dokumentinformationen

Originaltitel

Copyright

Verfügbare Formate

Dieses Dokument teilen

Dokument teilen oder einbetten

Freigabeoptionen

Stufen Sie dieses Dokument als nützlich ein?

Sind diese Inhalte unangemessen?

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

Michigan Nestle Water Bottling Public Comments in Support

Hochgeladen von

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

S TATE OF M ICHIGAN

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

October 22, 2018

VIA E-MAIL Tracking code: FOIA 3891-18

Mr. Ken Klippenstein

Dear Mr. Klippenstein,

Your request is granted in part and denied in part.

Karen Edlin, Special Projects FOIA Coordinator

A wise, more experienced public official spoke some encouragement to me recently . . . he

A wise, more experienced public official spoke some encouragement to me recently . . . he

To: MDEQ Drinking Water and Municipal Assistance Division

In summary, I believe the Nestle water withdrawal request meets to criteria

Robert & Patricia Donegan

Tricia Donegan, Hub Director

It's never too late to thank a Veteran.

Mid-Michigan Honor Flight

To whom it may concern

This message was sent securely using ZixCorp.

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce encourages the Michigan Department of Environmental

Thanks for your time.

I am confident that Ice Mountain would do no harm, intentionally, to the sustainability of

Today is a good day for a good day.

Dear Carrie Monosmith,

Thank you, Sarah Martin and Hannah Green

Sent from XFINITY Connect Mobile App

Nestle should be approved .

Disclaimer: This is my personal opinion and not paid for by anyone.

Dear Michigan Department of Environmental Quality ,

Dear Michigan Department of Environmental Quality ,

Jeffrey Von Glahn

Dear Michigan Department of Environmental Quality ,

Dear Michigan Department of Environmental Quality ,

Dear Michigan Department of Environmental Quality ,

Andrew Hunter DeYoung

Dear Michigan Department of Environmental Quality ,

Dear Michigan Department of Environmental Quality ,

Dear Michigan Department of Environmental Quality ,

Dear Michigan Department of Environmental Quality ,

Dear Michigan Department of Environmental Quality ,

Dear Michigan Department of Environmental Quality ,

Dear Michigan Department of Environmental Quality ,

Dear Michigan Department of Environmental Quality ,

Dear Ms Heidi Grether,

Dear Ms Heidi Grether,

Dear Ms Heidi Grether,

Dear Ms Heidi Grether,

Dear Ms Heidi Grether,

Dear Ms Heidi Grether,

Dear Ms Heidi Grether,

Dear Ms Heidi Grether,

Dear Ms Heidi Grether,

Dear Ms Heidi Grether,

Dear Ms Heidi Grether,

Dear Ms Heidi Grether,

Andrew Hunter DeYoung

Dear Ms Heidi Grether,

Dear Ms Heidi Grether,

Dear Ms Heidi Grether,

Dear Ms Heidi Grether,

Jeffrey Von Glahn

No affiliation with Nestle in any way.

So to me, it seems a simple matter of two questions:

That's my opinion. Thank you for reading it.