Myers Phillips Demands EGLE Halt Operations at US Ecology Detroit South Until Facility Fully Complies with the Law

DETROIT, Dec. 1, 2025 – State Rep. Tonya Myers Phillips (D-Detroit) joined residents, local leaders and environmental justice advocates today in calling on the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to deny the permit renewal for the US Ecology Detroit South hazardous waste facility and halt operations until the company fully complies with state law and court-ordered requirements.

“Enough is enough,” Myers Phillips said at a press conference today hosted by Rev. Sharon Buttry and other members of the Detroit Hamtramck Coalition for Advancing Healthy Environments. “I join my voice with those of fellow Detroit and Hamtramck residents who are fighting for clean air in our neighborhoods. I share the concerns about noxious odors coming from the US Ecology facility and the cumulative effects of pollution on residents’ health, well-being, and quality of life in our communities. Along with residents, my fellow elected officials, and advocacy groups, I call on EGLE to enforce the consent order and immediately shut down the facility until all safety and odor issues are resolved.”

In 2024, US Ecology entered into a consent order requiring penalty payments, reimbursement of state enforcement costs and a $927,423 escrow fund for supplemental environmental projects benefiting the surrounding neighborhood. The facility also agreed to pay $780,000 to affected residents and invest at least $1.56 million over three years in environmental control measures to reduce odors.

Community members and elected leaders say those conditions remain unmet. Residents have reported persistent odors for nearly a decade despite ongoing enforcement actions after repeated violations. The Wayne County Commission, under Commissioner Martha G. Scott’s leadership, voted 11–0 to pass a resolution opposing the facility’s permit renewal.

“Our families have a right to breathe clean air and live without fear of toxic odors invading their homes,” Myers Phillips continued. “US Ecology has had years to meet its legal obligations, yet the harm to this community continues. This company should not be allowed to ignore the rules or slow-walk its responsibilities. Our lives are worth more than that.”

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