By By MARCIA STEFFENS
Niles Daily Star
NILES - If the permit to develop the Moose Lake Aggregate into a single 76-acre lake could be awarded for a show of approval, Ken Smith would have been awarded it at the public hearing last evening in Howard Township.
Twice the crowd, which filled nearly half of the bleachers at Howard Elementary School, broke into applause following a resident's comments showing approval for the project.
All of the comments garnered from last night, and those given to the Land and Water Management Division of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) in the next 10 days, will all be taken into account on whether the permit will be granted.
The DEQ will also be having its environmental experts determining if the lake is expected to adversely affect the water quality of nearby streams, or levels of the nearby resident's wells.
Kameron Jordan of the DEQ acted as hearing officer, speaking for Ken Smith, he read the application to the public and put the proposed drawing on display.
Jordan explained when Smith received his permit from the DEQ before, for the 30-acre lake, "it was fine," but he added, Smith is now "doubling the size and making it deeper."
The fact the water tables have been rising in the past few years Jordan attributed to a natural rebound, having "nothing to do with mining."
Among those in favor of the project was Ken Coquillard of Detroit Road, who said with the added fishing and recreation, the lake would be "a great asset to the township." Of the Smiths he added, "what they say is what they are going to do."
Dan Gleason agreed it was a great place to fish.
Michael Sutherland, the Howard Township supervisor, said his concern, and that of his board members, was that the proper studies be done.
Craig Robbins, his property joins Smith's on the west end, said he was "concerned about water levels dropping."
Others questioned who will be held responsible if there is a problem after the lake is made, one even suggesting money be put in equity just in case.
Larry Eckler, who owns property across the street and sells flowers, fruits and vegetables, read a prepared statement of his concerns of potential problems. When his five minutes was up, his wife Lucy continued reading. Their statement will be looked at along with those of all who spoke, and any others with the DEQ receives in the time allotted.
Marlene Donaghe, who has nine acres set aside for wildlife at the south end of the Moose Lake property, said it "would be a benefit to the community. I trust it is a good study."
Cass County Commissioner Johnie Rodebush, who said he has been a customer of the Ecklers for years and that the area is in his district, took a drive to look at the present three ponds, which Smith will be turning into one lake, should the project be accepted.
The DEQ has until Sept. 9, 2005 to make a decision to issue the permit, deny it or modify it," Jordan said.