ADRIAN (WWJ) - A powdered egg company in Lenawee County is raising a stink – and environmental officials, along with residents, have had enough.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), Air Quality Division (AQD) announced on Friday that they are taking “egg-calated” enforcement action against Crimson Holdings, LLC facility in Adrian for several violations.
Officials said the company received several notices since April 2022 which include at least three citations over odor violations and not having the appropriate air permitting requirements.
Crimson Holdings is the focus of many complaints ever since they switched from making powdered milk to making powdered eggs.
Those living in the nearby community are fed up with the smell, officials said, prompting authorities to act.
“Escalating enforcement in this case is important,” said Chris Ethridge, AQD Assistant Director. “The company must be held accountable for air violations that have occurred at the facility.”
Officials said Crimson Holdings received its latest notice on July 21 after the EGLE determined the facility was not following Michigan's Air Pollution Control Rules.
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The AQD said the company has until the 28th to respond.
Authorities did acknowledge that the enforcement measures can take time for the company to implement and some steps have already been taken by the company.
“Crimson has implemented some odor reduction measures at the facility including adding a carbon filter to the flotation room and aligning a vent on the solids tank,” officials said on Friday. “Additional measures continue to be evaluated and will be implemented to address odor concerns in the community.”
The EGLE said Crimson has tested its air emissions to see where the offensive odors are coming from. Officials said the lab work can take several weeks to get back and they have only received some of the samples upon which additional measures may be taken.
Officials said the facility could face a monetary penalty, a compliance plan and penalties for future violations.
The public will have an opportunity view and submit comments before officials finalize any actions.
The EGLE said they will continue to field and respond to resident complaints – additional notices will be handed out to the company if violations continue.
If residents are still detecting foul odors or have any other air quality concerns, the EGLE asked people to reach out through their online complaint form or by calling the Pollution Emergency Alert System number at 800-292-4706.
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