A group has filed a challenge against the state Department of Environmental Quality's permit for the Nestle Waters North America Inc. to pump more western Michigan groundwater for its Ice Mountain brand.
Michigan Citizens for Water Conservation submitted the petition Friday against the DEQ, which last month approved Nestle's application to remove 400 gallons of water per minute from an Osceola Township aquifer. Nestle had been permitted to withdraw 250 gallons per minute.
The conservation group says the DEQ's site review failed to pick up on the environmental consequences of withdrawing additional water, therefore "illegally granting Nestle the water of the commons."
The case could go to trial if it fails to be resolved.
Nestle officials say the company has confidence in the scientific data within its permit application.