State of Michigan takes enforcement action against Graphic Packaging

LANSING, Mich. (From news reports) -- The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) Air Quality Division is taking escalated enforcement against Graphic Packaging, according to a news release Wednesday, Jan. 27.

EGLE is restarting the enforcement action that began in July 2019 and had been suspended to allow Graphic Packaging to perform an odor investigation study.

That study has since been completed.

The enforcement action will address the odor violations and a violation notice issued on Nov. 20, 2020 for installing equipment before an air permit was approved.

Results from enforcement action can take time, EGLE says.

The action will include a monetary penalty, a compliance plan and sometimes a Supplemental Environmental Project.

The public will have an opportunity to view and submit comments before the enforcement action is finalized.

More information about this enforcement action and other air quality information related to Graphic Packaging - such as odor plans, current air permits and who to contact with questions or concerns - can be found here.

Graphic Packaging sent the following statement in response to the action:

Graphic Packaging has been working closely with the city and the state to address odor concerns in Kalamazoo over the past 18 months and has taken a number of steps to minimize the potential for nuisance odors from our operations. As EGLE noted, an Odor Investigation Study conducted by RK & Associates was completed on November 3. That study concluded that GPI does not emit nuisance odors in the community. Graphic Packaging also submitted a Nuisance Minimization Plan in December that we believe will address any potential nuisance odor concerns when fully implemented. We also disagree with EGLE's view that we began improperly installing equipment early. Our air permit was in place before the equipment in question was installed. We look forward to working with EGLE to resolve this matter, and remain committed to being a good neighbor and trusted community partner in the Kalamazoo area.

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