Stanwood, Mich., July 7 - Nestle Waters North America Inc. is pleased to announce that an agreement has been reached with Michigan Citizens for Water Conservation that brings resolution to a lengthy Michigan legal case.
The agreement preserves the Company's use of a spring water source that supports its Stanwood-based Ice Mountain(R) brand natural spring water bottling plant employing some 250 local people.
"Reaching this agreement is very important for Nestle Waters' employees and their families, the west Michigan community, and our company, in that it brings certainty for our operations, supports local jobs, and puts an issue behind us," said Nestle Waters North America Vice President Heidi Paul. "We are pleased that our west Michigan operations are thriving, providing valuable, good paying jobs for many local people, and contributing to area charitable causes. We look forward to continuing our investment in the area."
Under provisions of the agreement Nestle Waters will continue its sustainable use of natural spring water from four company-owned wells located in Mecosta County, Michigan. The Company will continue to withdraw an average of 218 gallons per minute of spring water (313,000 gallons per day), with rates varying depending on the time of the year and seasonal conditions at the site. The agreement makes the water withdrawal rates permanent.
Mecosta Circuit Court Judge Susan Grant approved the agreement on Monday (July 6), and entered a final order closing the case.
In developing the Sanctuary spring water source beginning in 2000, Nestle Waters conducted extensive hydrologic and ecologic assessments to assure the long-term sustainability of the source and surrounding environment. Moreover, Nestle Waters utilizes a network of environmental monitoring instruments at the site to ensure the area's abundant and renewable groundwater resources are carefully monitored for long-term sustainability.