Public Meeting Scheduled On Southfield Megachurch Oil Drilling Plan
SOUTHFIELD (WWJ/AP) - A public meeting has been scheduled on a company's request to drill an exploratory oil well on church property in Southfield.
City officials say the Feb. 17 meeting at Southfield High School will be held by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.
Comment from residents is being sought on Jordan Development's application for a permit to drill at Word of Faith International Christian Center, a megachurch at 9 Mile Rd. and Evergreen.
The Traverse City company and the church have entered into an oil and gas lease agreement. The company has said the well at the church will be located in dense woods, "at a significant distance from any residents or property owners."
Last month, a group of Southfield neighbors held a protest outside the church.
Longtime residents Larry Quarles and Skip Davis told WWJ's Vickie Thomas they're worried about health and safety, as well as their property values.
The city, which also opposes the drilling, passed a 180-day moratorium last year on oil and gas extractions due to environmental concerns.
Ben Brower, with Jordan Development, said he believes the moratorium on drilling in Southfield applies to this project because he says the MDEQ is the governing body.
He also says no fracking will ever be done on the site and drilling won't put residents in danger.
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