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Planning Commission OKs special use for 3-acre brine extraction site with conditions
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Summary
The commission approved a special land use permit for a commercial brine extraction well at 1827 North 1st Street with conditions requiring compliance with federal/state permits (EGLE), bonding, containment measures, survey, business licensing and a one‑year expiry if construction does not begin.
The Saginaw Planning Commission approved special land use petition J26‑2854 to develop a commercial salt‑brine extraction operation on about 3 acres at 1827 North 1st Street, with multiple conditions designed to protect public safety and the environment.
Tom Miller, president and CEO of Saginaw Future, said the site lies in a heavy industrial area and that the project is intended to support local industry and the tax base. "From a land use standpoint, this is exactly the type of location where the activity should occur," Miller said, noting state oversight from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) for well permitting and groundwater protection.
Kevin Jensen, a geologist with J and M Energy representing Michigan Resources, described plans to drill to the Sylvania sandstone—about 4,300 feet—and to produce brine primarily for road dust control and ice mitigation. Jensen said the project will employ multiple steel casing strings cemented to the surface and secondary, diked containment for above‑ground tanks. "We'll set a steel pipe, cement to surface to protect that fresh water," he said, explaining cement plugs and multiple casings are standard to prevent cross‑formation contamination.
Commissioners questioned wetland and floodplain impacts, proximity to the river, abandoned well risks and company continuity; Jensen and Miller said EGLE permits and bonding requirements are in place to ensure proper plugging and closure, and that partners include established local owners. Presenters said the first phase is primarily drilling and assessment; a larger second phase—if pursued—could require additional approvals and could create significant employment and processing capacity.
The commission approved the special land use with conditions requiring compliance with applicable federal, state and local regulations (the chair referenced Part 625 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act/PA 451 as amended), the consent of city council for any use of city property, procurement of necessary environmental and other permits and business license, a survey to be submitted to the zoning administrator, containment and plugging obligations to prevent contamination and subsidence, and an expiration of the approval if construction does not begin within one year.
The motion passed on a roll call vote with one commissioner opposed. The approval allows the applicant to proceed with state permitting, bonding and the detailed site construction permits subject to the commission's conditions.
