LANSING —US Ecology’s Michigan Disposal Waste Treatment Plant and landfill in Van Buren Township is seeking to expand its hazardous waste storage and treatment capacities, conduct treatment outside of its treatment tanks, and add two new waste streams for the treatment of dioxins and wastes containing sulfides. In response to the request, state Rep. Kristy Pagan (D-Canton) issued the following statement encouraging residents to submit comment to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality:
“This issue of storing hazardous waste in our community impacts our personal, environmental and economic health. It is incredibly important that members of the public weigh in and express their concerns. In response to US Ecology accepting out-of-state fracking waste that two other states rejected, I have introduced House Bill 4804 to limit the amount of radioactive waste that can be stored in Michigan landfills. In light of the recent request from US Ecology to expand its storage and treatment facility, I am reviewing if further legislative action is needed to protect our communities from hazardous waste.”
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Waste Management and Radiological Protection Division, is accepting public comments regarding US Ecology’s request until Feb. 18. Public comments should be directed to Kimberly Tyson of the DEQ by email at tysonk@michigan.gov, or by mail to Kimberly M. Tyson, Hazardous Waste Section, WMRPD, MDEQ, P.O. Box 30241, Lansing, 48909-7741.