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Meeting tonight over oil drilling in Southfield

Posted at 5:26 AM, Feb 17, 2016
and last updated 2016-02-17 18:34:55-05

To drill or not to drill?

A Southfield church wants to allow an oil drilling operation on their property, in the middle of a neighborhood.

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality is considering their proposal.

That drilling pump would be placed at the Word of Faith International Christian Center. 

The mayor, city and a state legislator are all opposed, still their drilling application will be up for discussion tonight.

MDEQ is holding the meeting tonight at 6 p.m. at Southfield High School to hear more public input.

Jordan Development filed an application to drill on the church's property. The company entered a lease agreement with the church.

Word of Faith says the oil well would not be fracked, and they say the proposed site is in dense woods, to shield it from local traffic and residential properties.

Those opposed say drilling brings risks of spills, accidents and pollution to the entire community. Neighbors are also worried about devalued properties and impacts on the environment.

There is a moratorium in effect, banning any drilling in the city through April 28.