Groveland Twp.? The dewatering pumps at Midway Sand & Gravel 12527 Dixie Highway are off indefinitely following a meeting with attorneys representing mine owner Homer Tolliver, the Oakland County Drain Commission and The Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
In a meeting on April 14, Groveland Township Attorney Thomas Plunkett said that sometime over the weekend Midway Sand and Gravel shut the pumps off ‘indefinitely? until outstanding issues can be resolved.
‘They (representatives of Midway) pointed out that since a court action is pending and the Township’s revoking of their license the pumps will stop for now,? said Plunkett.
An Oakland County judge is prepared to hear testimony in what may be the turning point in a battle that has spanned more than two years.
On April 24 and 25, Oakland County Circuit Judge Richard D. Kuhn is expected to hear testimony from several key individuals surrounding Midway Sand & Gravel, and a March 26 Groveland Township order to halt mining operations.
Since 2001 residents near the mine contend that Midway Sand & Gravel’s pumping of more than 2.5 million gallons per day of water from the gravel pit caused a significant loss of water in level in their ponds and wells.