DETROIT – Residents and lawmakers are calling for the shutdown of US Ecology Detroit South, a hazardous waste treatment facility seeking permit renewal from state environmental regulators.
Neighbors near the Frederick Street facility, operated by Republic Services, continue to report ongoing issues with noxious odors and other environmental concerns.
One woman who lives downwind of the site described a recent incident affecting her family.
“Including an odor violation that occurred just 10 days ago from today that left the taste of burning chemicals and rotting fish in my mouth when I exited my home with my 2-year-old son,” she said
Local resident Tim Nutt emphasized the serious nature of these emissions.
“When you start smelling these odors that smell like VOCs or paint, and sometimes rotting fish, it’s not, oh, it smells bad. It’s like, this is poisonous. This is hazardous,” Nutt said.
The Detroit Hamtramck Coalition for Advancing Healthy Environments (DHCAHE) is leading the opposition to the facility’s permit renewal.
The group held a press conference on Monday (Dec. 1), attended by residents and some lawmakers.
Rev. Sharon Butry of DHCAHE stated, “Today, we’re calling on the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to shut down US Ecology.”
State Representative Tonya Myers-Phillips joined the coalition’s efforts, asserting, “Every family in this room and in our community has a right to breathe clean air.”
Republic Services defended its operations in a statement, highlighting recent upgrades to the facility:
“Detroit South provides safe, essential hazardous waste disposal for hundreds of businesses across Michigan and the Midwest. Recent upgrades include a state-of-the-art tank system, improved storage processes, enhanced waste handling procedures, and a new on-site lab for material testing.
To address community concerns about odor, the facility recently updated its odor management plan, added a fourth air monitoring station, and is evaluating additional air pollution controls.
Detroit South also hosts quarterly public meetings and offers a dedicated website where residents can sign up for email updates and connect with the team.”
Republic Services
In a significant development, Wayne County Commissioners recently passed a resolution supporting the denial of the facility’s permit renewal.
This action adds political weight to the community’s demands for closure.
Neighbors emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “Enough is enough. EGLE has a duty to end this cycle and has the tools necessary to put our residents and public health first.”
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is currently reviewing the permit renewal application for US Ecology Detroit South.
The facility’s fate now rests with state regulators, who are weighing community concerns against the company’s recent improvements.