IMMEDIATE RELEASE | June 17, 2021
Board of Commissioners Petition Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to Deny a Private Wastewater Treatment Plant Permit in Lodi Township
Washtenaw County, MI – Last night, the Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution to petition the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to deny a permit to Red Equities, LLC for a private wastewater treatment plant in Lodi Township as part of a proposed housing development. This vote took place at a special meeting last night called to address this specific issue.
“Residents of Lodi Township and the surrounding area have made it clear that this wastewater treatment facility would negatively impact their community,” said Shannon Beeman, Commissioner for District 3. “I’m proud to serve on a Board that worked swiftly to convene a special meeting to pass this resolution to support Lodi Township’s right to make land use decisions about their own community.”
In addition to concerns about the density of the proposed housing development and how it does not align with the Lodi Township General Development Plan, there are significant concerns about the impact the private wastewater treatment facility would have on water quality in the area.
“Washtenaw County has participated in more than $30 million of water quality improvements in the past 15 years. Much of that has been done to reduce the level of phosphorous in our water,” said Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner Evan Pratt. “The proposed type of treatment facility does discharge phosphorous, among other things. In light of all of our work to reduce contaminants and improve water quality, it would be frustrating to see a permit issued for a facility that would do the opposite.”
The Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners is comprised of nine elected officials representing different Washtenaw County communities. The current Board will serve from January 2021 through December 2022.
Click here to find the list of Commissioners by district.
You can stay up to date on the latest from the Board of Commissioners by visiting Washtenaw.org/BOC, or by following them on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Contact: Peter Lindeman | [email protected] | 734-417-4021