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Potential water reclassification could set precedent

Agricultural groups are questioning the validity behind a proposed reclassification of a stream in southwest Michigan.

Head of the Potato Growers of Michigan Dr. Kelly Turner tells Brownfield the request to reclassify the Prairie River in Branch County is not based on sound science and could drastically reduce the amount of water withdrawn in the watershed.

“It really doesn’t serve a purpose in protecting the fish population because no stream flow depletion or detrimental water temperature changes have been observed or measured, despite significantly increased irrigation in that watershed over the last decade,” she says.

The proposal would immediately impact at least 25,000 acres of production agriculture and is the first attempt to change a temperature classification under the Water Use Program.

Hydrogeologic consultant Todd Feenstra reviewed the Department of Natural Resources assessment.  He tells Brownfield the report is filled with glaring errors and does not uphold Environmental Protection Agency protocols.

“There was a lot of technical work that really needed some drastic improvement, a longer time period, better sampling protocols that were followed, more logger stations, there was just a lot of information that was just missing,” he explains.

Turner says a decision will be made at the Natural Resource Commission’s January 12^th meeting, but the director of the DNR has final approval on the request.

The Potato Growers of Michigan and Michigan Farm Bureau are urging their members to request a 60-day delay in action to provide a better review of the proposal.

The DNR says the reclassification will better protect brown trout in the stream and is supported by Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy staff.