KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Neighbors of Kalamazoo’s Graphic Packaging plant say a draft plan to fine the company and order improvements to stop nuisance odors, just doesn’t go far enough.
Michigan Air Quality officials held a public hearing last Thursday evening, December 1 on the settlement of air quality complaints and a permit violation predating the pandemic. The proposed order calls for a fine of just under $100,000 and plant improvements to curb smelly emissions.
Residents who spoke at the hearing say more must be done.
Other residents proposed the company put air quality monitors along their property line and make the data available publicly, like the city has made it possible to review the results of their air monitors.
A spokesperson for State Representative Julie Rogers read a statement demanding that EGLE do more, and do it faster.
EGLE Air Quality enforcer Jason Wolf says the fines may seem light but they are limited by statute on what can be levied.
Wolf says their goal is to fix the problem, not penalize the company into bankruptcy.
He says future non-compliance by Graphic Packaging will result in more fines, and more expensive mandates to trap and treat odors.
But these aren’t the only environmental complaints Graphic Packaging faces. City and state officials have cited the plant and are investigating a discharge of wastewater into the Kalamazoo River last month.
A years-long study into the health effects of emissions from the plant is also due to be released early next year, which could generate more fines, state and federal sanctions and civil suits as well.
Anyone who would still like to express their opinion of the Draft Consent Order has until December 9th to contact EGLE’s Air Quality Division, by mail, e-mail or phone, and leave a comment.
EGLE will have a video of the hearing on their YouTube channel and a copy of the consent order and other documents are available online at Michigan.gov/egleairpublicnotice
Contacts for any one who wants to make a public comment on the consent order. Those making a public comment must make sure they mention it’s for the Graphics Packaging Consent Order:
Jason Wolf
EGLE Air Quality Division
Po Box 30260
Lansing MI 48909
Email: Wolfj2@michigan.gov
Phone number: (517) 284 0900
Those in Kalamazoo with odor complaints can call Monica Brothers, the EGLE Inspector assigned to Kalamazoo County directly at 269- 312 2535 during office hours. Their 24-hour air quality emergency line is 1-800 292 4706.
Reporting by: John McNeill
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