Michigan, Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy issued the following announcement on Oct. 30.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) approved an air use permit for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ (FCA) Detroit Assembly Complex Mack Plant that includes a continued commitment by FCA to fulfill a previously announced community benefits program and install an ambient air monitoring station to test air quality on the east side of Detroit.
FCA applied for the air permit in April 2020 after deciding to make minor changes to the automotive assembly plant, which is under construction.
A project summary, final terms and conditions and other material related to the Mack plant permit has been posted to the New Source Review Permits Final Decisions webpage.
EGLE’s Air Quality Division performed a detailed review and evaluation of the Mack plant application and determined the proposed project would comply with all applicable state and federal air quality requirements. The proposed plant modifications will result in slight decreases in volatile organic compounds, oxides of nitrogen and greenhouse gas emissions and slight increases in emissions of carbon monoxide, particulate matter and particulate matter equal to or less than 10 microns and 2.5 microns in diameter.
The air monitoring station at the Mack plant was requested by residents who live near the plant. The monitor has been installed and will be operational when manufacturing begins at the plant. Results of the ambient air quality readings from the area around the plant will be incorporated into the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s air monitoring database.
Among the stipulations in the community benefits program EGLE has agreed to, FCA will use natural gas powered and hydrogen fueled vehicles, install more than 30 electric vehicle charging stations and use energy-saving LED lights inside and outside the facility. FCA also agreed to offer $1.8 million in grants ($15,000 per east-side homeowner) to make home repairs. The company will install solar-powered bus shelters, plant more than 1,100 trees and work with community leaders on more than 300 community green spaces.
In March 2020, FCA applied for an air use permit for its existing Jefferson North Assembly Plant, also in Detroit. The Jefferson North permit is still under review with no anticipated timetable for a decision.
EGLE held two public information sessions on both permit applications and received public comments through Sept. 18. Links to the recorded information sessions can be found at the Air Quality Division’s public comment website.
Original source can be found here.
Source: Michigan, Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy
Alerts Sign-up