Michigan to Implement New Fracking Rules in 2014

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is developing new rules for hydraulic fracturing that would add protections for water resources and require additional chemical data submissions from drilling companies.  In a press release issued on October 22, 2013, the Department stated that the proposed rules focus on four key areas:  water withdrawal assessment and monitoring, water quality sampling, monitoring and reporting, and chemical additive disclosure.

 The proposed rules will obligate permit applicants to use Michigan's water withdrawal assessment tool to determine if a proposed water withdrawal is likely to cause an Adverse Resource Impact on nearby streams and rivers.  Additionally, an operator will be required to install a monitor well and report water levels if there is a water supply well within 1,320 feet of a proposed withdrawal. The new rules also set specifications for water storage pits.