KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — State of Michigan environmental investigators issued Graphic Packaging International in Kalamazoo multiple violations following an unannounced inspection in July 2022.
One of the violations, according to state inspectors, was that the facility was releasing a chemical at a rate exceeding the permitted emission limit.
The inspection was conducted by Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy Air Quality staff at the 1500 North Pitcher Street facility on July 28. A violation notice was issued to Graphic Packaging on September 8, for emission, reporting, and equipment design and stack vent restrictions that were not met under Permit to Install No. 133-19A according to Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy Spokesperson Jill Greenberg.
Records also showed 37 hours of noncompliance with the limit of nitrogen oxide in the facility’s air permit, with the limit set for 13.6 her hour. Reported emissions ranged from 14.2 to 26.6 pounds per hour during the period of August 20 to August 21.
As nitrogen oxides are a mixture of gases that are composed of nitrogen and oxygen, low levels of it can irritate eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, possibly causing a cough and shortness of breath, tiredness, and nausea.
Exposure to low levels can also result in fluid build-up in the lungs one or two days after exposure. Breathing high levels of nitrogen oxides can cause rapid burning, spasms, and swelling of tissues in the throat and upper respiratory tract, reduced oxygenation of body tissues, a build-up of fluid in your lungs, and death, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
The five other violations issued by EGLE were:
- Noncompliance with emission limit for PM10/2.5 on a boiler based on a June 8, 2022, test
- A violation because a maximum heat capacity of a piece of equipment was above the limit
- Two violations because records were insufficient to demonstrate compliance with material usage limitations
- Three stacks at the facility were installed with a maximum exhaust diameter over the 144-inch limit
In a statement, Graphic Packaging said that it takes its permit obligations and responsibility as a community partner very seriously and is working with Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to bring the matter to a full resolution.
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