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Michigan grants permit to drill oil well on church land 

Posted at 8:55 AM, Mar 09, 2016
and last updated 2016-03-09 08:55:47-05

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (AP) — The state’s environmental agency has granted a permit to drill an exploratory oil well on church property in suburban Detroit.

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality is allowing Traverse City-based Jordan Development to drill at Word of Faith International Christian Center in Southfield. The decision comes after a Feb. 17 meeting in Southfield that attracted about 1,000 supporters and opponents.

The city opposes drilling and is threatening to file a lawsuit. Some residents say it will lower property values, increase emissions and pose a risk of contamination.

The church says money that comes from the project would be used for good works.

The DEQ says it will monitor the drilling to ensure that oil and gas regulations are followed and that there are no impacts to groundwater.