DNR adopts opinion, won’t consider wells’ cumulative effects

Department of Natural Resources officials say they won’t consider high-capacity wells’ cumulative effects in permit decisions after Attorney General Brad Schimel said they lack such authority.

The DNR had been considering whether a well combined with other wells around it would adversely affect state’s waters. But Schimel, a Republican, issued a legal opinion last month saying state law doesn’t give the DNR authority to consider wells’ cumulative effects.

The agency quietly posted a frequently asked questions page on its website Friday that it will abide by Schimel’s opinion. DNR spokesman James Dick issued a statement saying the agency has traditionally followed all formal attorney general opinions....

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Ken Notes: We are quick to hold businesses responsible for environmental damage attributed to past practice and policy -- what if the DNR (due to legislative pressure) gets this wrong and there are environmental consequences???