The Michigan Department of Environmental Control (MDEQ) held a public hearing at the Edwardsburg Performing Art Center (PAC) to discuss Ontwa Townships controversial wastewater treatment plant.

Ontwa residents had to choose between attending the public hearing or going to the regular township meeting across town, which started 30 minutes after the MDEQ meeting.

A letter from residents was sent to the township board asking them to move the regular meeting so that they could attend both, but no change was made and all the members of the Ontwa board were present at the township hall and not at the PAC.

The MDEQ listened to residents’ concerns about the environmental impact the proposed sewer plant project would have on nearby Cobus Creek.

Phil Argiroff of the MDEQ told residents attending the meeting that environmental concerns would be thoroughly investigated and that public input would be taken into consideration.

He also told the crowd that the “political cloud” surrounding the issue will not determine the final permit decision.

Even if the MDEQ does issue a permit to Ontwa Township, that does not mean that the plant will be built or that discharging will take place.