Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) will engage with road commissions and other stakeholders regarding proposed changes to the general permit regulating the application of mineral brine by road agencies to control ice and dust. The proposed permit, known as the EGLE Brine Permit GW15550000, aims to enforce regulations for mineral-brine use by road agencies, especially in terms of application frequency, quantity, and location.
Road groups have raised concerns that the proposed permit will adversely impact local agricultural and Amish communities that rely on dirt roads for transportation and business. They fear that the proposed regulations will affect thousands of miles of roads and will pose a significant challenge to farmers who rely on such roads to transport their produce to the market.
EGLE asserts that the excessive use of brine leads to an increase in chloride levels in Michigan waterways. Brine runoff can contaminate drinking water sources, harm wildlife and aquatic life, and corrode infrastructure. EGLE's proposed permit aims to promote responsible application of brine to reduce its adverse effects on the environment.
Michigan farmers are paying close attention to these discussions as the use of dirt roads for transportation and farming is significant in the state. EGLE has assured stakeholders that it will respond to all comments and make necessary changes to the permit to ensure public safety on the roads while protecting water and other natural resources from brine runoff.
Photo Credit: istock-jmichl
Categories: Michigan, Business, General