Groundwater Use Restricted Zone Announced in Almena Township

The Van Buren/Cass District Health Department has updated its Environmental Health Code to establish a Groundwater Use Restricted Zone in Almena Township, Van Buren County. This amendment, adopted on October 8, 2024, will go into effect on February 28, 2025.

The Restricted Zone covers areas west of 22nd Street and north of M-43, including portions of Fish Hatchery Road and Sunset Drive. It was created to address groundwater contamination caused by hazardous substances migrating from the West KL Avenue Landfill in Oshtemo Township, Kalamazoo County.

In the Restricted Zone, installing new wells is prohibited unless approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), and the Health Department.

For full details, including the amendment text, a map of the Restricted Zone, and a list of affected properties, visit this page. You can also view the updated Environmental Health Code on our website here.

This update supports our mission to ensure public health safety, protect groundwater resources, and keep our community informed about important environmental health regulations.