DETROIT (WWJ) - A hazardous waste plant in Detroit has received approval to expand.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy approved a license renewal and expansion plans for the U.S. Ecology plant on Georgia Street, near I-94 and Mt. Elliot on the city's east side.
The state says the facility satisfied all technical design, construction and operating standards set by state and federal law.
Some Detroit residents and lawmakers, who had been protesting the expansion plans, say the expansion is a direct danger to clean water because the company has dumped dangerous chemicals into the sewer system.
"Approving this expansion sends a dangerous signal to the rest of the nation that Detroit is America's toxic waste dumping ground. Welcoming more out-of-state dangerous, toxic and radioactive waste in the middle of Detroit is unacceptable and we demand answers. These are exactly the type of deadly materials we need to keep away from our neighborhoods and water system," members of the Detroit Caucus of the Michigan House of Representatives said in a statement.
The state said the renewal decision comes after a long application review process, which included enhanced public participation and engagement. Based upon the comments, EGLE added conditions to the license including limiting the number of hazardous waste vehicle deliveries to 45 per day, designating a specific truck route to and from the facility, and providing an updated waste analysis plan.
Also in response to public comments and concerns, EGLE has posted an Environmental Report Card on the U.S. Ecology Detroit North Hazardous Waste Licensing Information webpage where stakeholders can monitor facility emissions, including effluent and ambient air.
The decision allows the company to operate its storage and treatment facility on Georgia Street for the next 10 years, before seeking a renewal.