Restraining order remains for Southfield church oil drilling work

SOUTHFIELD (AP) - A temporary restraining order prohibiting a company from starting any oil drilling work on the property of a suburban Detroit megachurch will remain in place.

The Detroit News reports that Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Michael Warren did not remove the restraining order Wednesday and gave attorneys representing all sides in the case several deadlines to file legal motions.

The city of Southfield is suing Jordan Development which was granted a permit to drill at Word of Faith International Christian Center by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.

Southfield has a moratorium in place that prohibits oil drilling and mining through April 28.

City attorney Susan Ward-Witkowski said Southfield is trying to enforce its zoning regulations.

Published: Fri, Mar 18, 2016