Stellantis seeks state permit to increase Detroit emissions
The automotive manufacturer wants to increase particulate matter emissions by 33% at its Mack assembly complex on Detroit’s east side. Stellantis is seeking a state permit to increase particulate matter emissions at its Detroit factories by a third in 2020. The company's request is to maintain the operation of a second pollution control device called a regenerative thermal oxidizer and increase particulates matter emission limits. This move is part of a response to requirements outlined in a legal consent order made with the state to address violations. Public comments can be made by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) until July 23, and an in-person hearing on the proposal will be held at Detroit Southeastern High School. Since 2021, Stellantis has violated state air quality standards eight times for releasing more emissions than permitted, and has been fined $221, 252 through two legal orders.
Diterbitkan : 10 bulan yang lalu oleh Jena Brooker di dalam Environment
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.
• Stellantis: ‘There was never a problem with the air’
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.
“Public comments are a very important part of making sure the application has been thoroughly reviewed and often have positive impacts on the final permit decision,” according to an EGLE notice about the project proposal.
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 denied.
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 [email protected]; 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.
Topik: Climate Change, ESG