Nearby recycling plant raises more concerns

The recycling plant named US Ecology continues to rack up complaints, the latest one about the odors it emits.
Last week, State Rep. Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck), Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (D-Detroit), and state Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit), along with environmental justice groups and activists, hosted a press conference outside the plant, located not far from Hamtramck.
They are demanding that the state regulatory agency the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) keep up its pressure on the plant to comply with its many violations that were issued. They also called for the plant and the City of Detroit to enter into a host agreement.
That agreement would give residents and city officials more say in the plant’s operations.
Too often, these types of undesirable facilities get located in the inner cities of this country – and Detroit is no exception.
These facilities handle very toxic and dangerous items. The fear is that these items will directly affect those living nearby – and that should be a concern for Hamtramck residents as well.
What’s of immediate concern is that the plant is emitting noxious odors.
No one wants to live next to something like that.
We applaud those working closely with residents to make sure the public’s health is protected.
It should be noted that Tlaib, Aiyash and Chang are all up for re-election this August.
Another issue about waste products in the US is the amount of toxic products we create and consume. There has to be a sweeping culture change in our consumer habits.
But that is a discussion for another day.
(US Ecology responds:
“We respect and listen to any community concerns about site operations. The facility has implemented an EGLE-approved Odor Management Plan for the past year and a half, which has resulted in a substantial reduction in any offsite odors.
“The plan includes neighborhood tours twice a day by facility staff. We’ve been actively engaged in community meetings for years and remain committed to continued participation.
“We take pride in being a good neighbor and an environmentally responsible solution for customers in our community and are always amenable to conversations around improving our presence within the community.”)
Posted July 15, 2022