DNR approves request to pump 7 million gallons of water daily from Lake Michigan for Foxconn

By: Justin Thompson-Gee Facebook | Twitter

Posted: Apr 25, 2018 3:45 PM CDT

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The state Department of Natural Resources has approved the city of Racine's request to pull 7 million gallons of water daily from Lake Michigan for a Foxconn Technology Group manufacturing plant.

The agency approved the request Wednesday.

The Taiwanese company expects to break ground by next month on a $10 billion flat-screen plant in Mount Pleasant. The City of Racine asked the DNR permission to divert lake water to serve the facility.

Under the Great Lakes Compact, all water diverted from Lake Michigan must be returned minus what's lost to evaporation or what's incorporated into Foxconn's manufacturing processes. The city's application estimated about 2.7 million gallons daily will be consumed and won't return to the lake.

Clean Wisconsin Water Resource Specialist Ezra Meyer issued the following statement in response to the DNR approval:

“We’re reviewing the DNR’s decision and weighing our options in coordination with our coalition partners. This proposed diversion does not meet the letter or spirit of the Great Lakes Compact. Racine’s application is clear in stating that none of the diverted water from Lake Michigan would be used for public purposes, as required by the Compact and state law.”