This story is republished from BridgeDetroit
- Stellantis is requesting state environmental regulators to increase particulate matter emissions by a third at its Detroit factory, citing the need to continue operating a pollution control device that also generates particulate matter.
- Residents can submit public comments on the proposal until July 23, with opportunities for online, phone, and in-person feedback.
- Wayne County has experienced rising particulate matter levels, contributing to health concerns and poor air quality ratings.
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to include comments from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. In addition, it has been updated to clarify that Stellantis’ 2022 request to double its particulate matter has yet to be approved by EGLE.
Stellantis is asking state environmental regulators to allow it to increase particulate matter emissions by a third at one of the automaker’s Detroit factories.
The company’s request to modify an October 2020 permit for the Detroit Assembly Complex at 4000 St. Jean seeks continued operation of a second pollution control device called a regenerative thermal oxidizer and an increase in particulate matter emission limits. The device works to control pollution but it also creates its own particulate matter pollution.
Particulate matter is made of microscopic particles that can be inhaled and may enter the bloodstream, causing serious health issues, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
“The particulate matter permit limits for the Detroit Assembly Complex – Mack facility are already among the lowest in the industry,” Stellantis spokesperson Jodi Tinson said by email. “We simply can’t add the relatively small amount of PM emissions associated with an entirely new regenerative thermal oxidizer (RTO), installed to control odors, to our emissions without increasing the permit limit,” she said, noting that the increase will still allow the facility to meet new national air quality standards that are more stringent.
The request is being made to incorporate requirements outlined in a legal consent order made with the state to address the company’s numerous violations. Stellantis representatives could not be immediately reached Wednesday for comment.
Residents can file public comments with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) until July 23 both online, by phone, and at an in-person hearing and presentation on the proposal at 6 p.m. July 17 at Detroit Southeastern High School, 3030 Fairview Street.
“Several factors go in to deciding whether an informational session and hearing will be virtual, hybrid, or in-person,” said EGLE spokesperson Jill Greenberg by email. “This meeting will be hybrid (both online and in-person) based on previous feedback from community members requesting that we offer both options and in applying our “Including Environmental Justice – Air Permitting in Michigan.”
Wayne County has experienced increased levels of particulate matter in recent years, contributing to the American Lung Association’s “F” grade in this year’s annual State of the Air report. The association also ranked the metro Detroit area 13th worst among the 25 cities most polluted by annual particulate matter. A 2017 estimate from the University of Michigan School of Public Health, found more than twice the number of Detroiters are killed each year by air pollution than gun violence.
Since 2021, Stellantis has violated state air quality standards eight times at its Detroit facilities for releasing more emissions than permitted, and strong odors that residents say negatively impacts their quality of life. EGLE has fined Stellantis $221, 252 through two legal orders.
In 2022, Stellantis asked the state to double its particulate matter emissions, citing that the company underestimated the amount of emissions it would release. The request was not immediately moved forward, said Greenberg, because of “several roadblocks.”
The request now seeks to increase particulate matter emissions from 16.61 tons per year to 23.23 tons per year, according to the permit request.
Comments can also be made until July 23 via email at EGLE-AQD-PTIPublicComments@Michigan.gov; Mailing the Michigan Department of the Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), Air Quality Division, Permit Section, P.O. Box 30260, Lansing, MI, 48909-7760; or by leaving a voicemail at (517) 284-0900.