Commission tables Eagle request for Crump Park test well amid data-access concerns

At the June 8, 2026 Montcalm County Board meeting, commissioners discussed a request from a company referred to as Eagle to use a Crump Park site as a test well location and then voted to table the item for a future meeting.

Commissioner Alexander and others expressed reservations about whether Eagle would make test results public and how those results might affect farmers if data were selectively held. Commissioner Murray said he wanted assurances that local farmers could access and, if necessary, replicate test results. Commissioners suggested staff contact Eagle for clarification and consult local groundwater expert Todd Fenstra before approving the request.

Vice Chairman Adam Peterson and other board members agreed to table the request and directed staff to seek more information about the testing plan, what data would be collected, who would own or host the data, and whether local stakeholders would have access.

Why it matters: Subsurface and groundwater testing can affect land use, agricultural interests and public trust. Commissioners raised access-to-data concerns, noting potential impacts on farmers and local stakeholders who rely on accurate and shared information.

What’s next: The board’s motion to table means staff will follow up with Eagle and potentially bring the item back with additional information or recommended conditions for access to test results and data-sharing.