How does the state regulate test wells drilled to explore for minerals?
The drilling, operating, plugging, and site restoration of test wells are regulated under Part 625, Mineral Wells, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended (NREPA). In addition, test wells must meet the requirements of other Parts of the NREPA to prevent damage to water, air, soil, wetlands, and other environmental values. In most of the state, Part 625 requires a permit for a test well that penetrates 50 feet or more into bedrock or below the deepest fresh water aquifer. However, a permit is not required for test wells where the bedrock is Precambrian in age, although these wells must meet all other requirements of Part 625. The Precambrian bedrock area covers roughly the west half of the Upper Peninsula, and includes the western edge of Menominee County where the current test well drilling is occurring. Drilling records of test wells must be submitted to the DEQ, but they are held confidential until the company releases them. All test wells o
