Jeep plant in Detroit hit with another air quality violation

BY KURT NAGL

Stellantis NV has been hit with another air violation notice from the state — it’s 11th for air pollution in metro Detroit in the past two years.

e violation notice was issued ursday for objectionable paint odors from the Mack Assembly Plant in Detroit, where the new Jeep Grand Cherokee models are built, according to a copy of the notice issued by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy’s Air Quality Division.

“During the investigation performed on May 9, 2023, AQD sta observed persistent and objectionable paint/solvent odors of moderate to strong intensity” that constituted an “unreasonable interference with the comfortable enjoyment of life and property,” the notice said.

“We are investigating this occurrence and will respond to EGLE as required,” Stellantis spokeswoman Jodi Tinson said in an email.

For violations in Detroit, Stellantis entered into a consent order with EGLE last year, which called for a $270,203 ne and the installation of a regenerative thermal oxidizer by next month. e automaker has said that piece of equipment will solve the odor issues, which arose shortly after pro- duction started.

“We have been working to complete the installation of the new regenerative thermal oxidizer and have it operational as quickly as possible to permanently resolve the odor issue,” Tinson said. “Even as that work is ongoing, we are operating interim odor controls, which have reduced odors.” e violation comes as o cials consider approving permit requests by the automaker to increase pollution levels at its Detroit plant and Warren Truck Assembly Plant. At the same time, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is probing EGLE for alleged “environmental racism.”

Contact: knagl@crain.com; (313) 446-0337; @kurt_nagl