Letter to the Editor as seen in the Grand Rapids Press
Monday, January 28, 2008
Wrong on Nestlé
Terry Swier, of the Michigan Citizens for Water Conservation, weighed in on Nestle Waters' operations in a recent Press guest commentary ("Nestlé’s water pumping harmful to Michigan," Jan. 5), but several issues she raised bear correction.
For example, Ms. Swier contends Nestlé’s water withdrawals harm the environment, and that all courts agree. No courts have reviewed environmental data since 2003.
Experts with Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), which protects the interests of citizens on environmental matters, have found Nestlé’s pumping rates safe.
In addition, Nestlé has monitored streams, wetlands, lakes and the water table. The data, provided regularly to Ms. Swier's group, gets checked by MDEQ. The data shows little change, and no adverse ecologic impacts.
Ms. Swier contends that Nestlé has caused "mudflats" to occur in a local stream. To the contrary, the "mudflats" reflect the natural accumulation of organic sediments of this slow-moving stream, as well as seasonal water levels. In fact, there is evidence of historic dredging to remove sediment in this area. The MDEQ denied a recent request by local property owners to remove the mudflats, saying the sediments provide valuable ecologic benefits.
While Nestle respects diverse opinions, it is wrong to misrepresent key issues.
-- GREG FOX, Natural Resources Manager, Nestlé Waters North America/Stanwood
