City of Southfield Embroiled in Argument with Church and DEQ Over Oil Drilling
Despite city moratorium on drilling and fracking DEQ still considering permit for church grounds
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An application to drill for oil within the Southfield city limits is creating a backlash from residents and local politicians. The Word of Faith Church at 9 Mile and Evergreen is asking the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality for permission to dig nearly 3-thousand feet to prospect for oil. The church sits adjacent to a residential area. Former Southfield council member and current state representative Jeremy Moss says the DEQ has disregarded a local moratorium on drilling. “I have environmental and health concerns about this happening but on top of that I also have process concerns because right now the DEQ is not abiding by a lawful local city moratorium on this practice” Moss says. Moss introduced legislation this week that creates further local control for oil and gas drilling permits. A public meeting is scheduled for February 17th from 6-9pm at Southfield City Hall