The incinerator, operated by Detroit Renewable Power, burns municipal waste and created steam and electricity that it sells to Detroit-based DTE Energy, the story says. In the process, the facility also produces air emissions that are considered harmful to the public.
Around 650,000 tons of waste was burned at the facility in 2015, the report says, much of it coming from outside the immediate area. Since January 2015, the facility has been cited 12 times for odor violations and 19 times for emissions of carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and particulate matter.
According to the report, local environmental groups have previously pushed to halt operations at the incinerator, citing outdated technology. A spokesman for Detroit Renewable Power told The Detroit News that the company is currently working to address the issues with Michigan’s Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ). The company’s website ensures that its technology is up to date.
