Southfield Mayor Ken Siver said just one resident has contacted him to express support for the proposed oil drilling site at World of Faith International Christian Church. Everyone else he’s heard from has strongly opposed the idea.
Conversely, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality told the mayor it received hundreds of letters in support of the issue.
“They say they have 1,500 letters of support, and we’d like to see them,” Siver said Wednesday night.
The city has sent a Freedom of Information Act request and is waiting for the response.
“I believe I’m in touch with the community here, and I’ve only had one letter or email to this office that said I’m for drilling at Nine Mile and Evergreen,” Siver said.
Public meeting set
Residents can tell state officials their thoughts at a public meeting hosted by the MDEQ Office of Oil, Gas and Minerals from 6-9 p.m. Feb. 17 at the Southfield High School Auditorium, 26475 Lahser Road, which can hold about 1,000 people.
It will include an overview of the proposal and public comments; each person will have three minutes to speak.
“We are hoping people show up for the hearing before the DEQ,” Siver said. “It’s my understanding that they rarely grant hearings. I want people to come and voice their opinions so that the DEQ can hear from people that live here.
“Our stance has not changed. We believe that drilling is incompatible with neighborhood life, and our primary responsibility is the health, safety and welfare of our residents.”
Southfield officials will be in attendance, and might be among the public commenters, Siver said.
State Rep. Jeremy Moss and city officials helped facilitate the meeting with the DEQ.
Objections
On Tuesday, the city outlined its objections in a press release:
•“Drilling is not a permitted use in the R-2, Single Family Residential zoning district in which the subject property is located;
•There is currently a moratorium in effect through April 28, 2016 prohibiting drilling or mining in the City of Southfield;
•This application, if approved, would have an adverse impact on the public health, safety and welfare of this community;
•What we have been provided in the application is incomplete and ambiguous;
•There are potential issues/impacts in terms of the City’s Woodlands and/or Wetlands ordinances; and
•There may likely be other considerations that the City cannot fully address until this matter is fully analyzed and evaluated.”
Added Siver on Wednesday: “I certainly hope that the DEQ honors our position. Our position is not anti-drilling. We just do not want drilling in a residential zone. I wouldn’t want an oil well near my house.”
Background
In spring 2015, the church was approached by the Traverse City-based oil exploration company Jordan Development about the possibility of drilling on the church’s 110 wooded acres off West Nine Mile and Evergreen, church spokeswoman Andrea Simpson told Michigan.com.
Late last year, the Southfield City Council enacted an extended 180-day moratorium on oil and gas extraction and mining operations in the city that lasts until April 28. In the meantime, the city stated that it’s preparing a zoning ordinance to put in place before the moratorium expires.
On Jan. 27, Moss hosted an overflow meeting at Southfield Public Library that drew an overflow crowd that necessitated a second meeting be held Monday, Feb. 1.
Last week, Word of Faith Church issued a statement expressing hope that all facts were be heard.
“Our political leaders should be willing to present unbiased information, showcasing both sides of the issue so that the community can make an informed decision. Instead of supplying well-balanced information, some have presented unsubstantiated information to community members who, understandably so, are now in an uproar about oil drilling at Word of Faith.”
According to the release, the well will not be fracked and will be “located in an upland, dense wooded area so as to shield itself from local traffic and residential properties.” Also, the well will be drilled using fresh water and clay and will be located in an area which will not impact the local quality of life... There is no evidence that we are aware of in the State of Michigan where drinking water has ever been compromised due to oil and gas activity.”
