Michigan: EGLE approves changes to Graphic Packaging air permit
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 24, 2020

Jill A. Greenberg, Public Information Officer, GreenbergJ@Michigan.gov, 517-388-3135
Annette Switzer, Permit Section Manager, SwitzerA2@Michigan.gov, 517-643-3847

Violation notice issued for starting construction early

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) today is requiring Graphic Packaging International in Kalamazoo, through a condition of their approved permit, to cease the use of one of its boilers for its recycled paperboard line.

EGLE approved an air permit in March to allow Graphic Packaging to add a paperboard line to its facility where it produces paper products from recycled material. Since then, Graphic Packaging requested to make changes to some of the equipment that emits air contaminants. To make those changes, the company was required to seek approval from EGLE through changes to its air permit.

Graphic Packaging had begun to install equipment before the permit was approved, which is a violation of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended. Based on this information, EGLE issued a violation notice on Nov. 20. Graphic Packaging has until Dec. 11 to respond. Once a response is received and reviewed, EGLE will determine if additional enforcement action against the company will be taken.

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In deciding whether to approve the changes to Graphic Packaging's air permit, EGLE sought public input during a six-week comment period that included an information session and public hearing. After a review of public comments, EGLE revised the air permit to require Graphic Packaging to permanently shut down Boiler 7 by May 1, 2022. The boiler shutdown reduces the facility's increase in greenhouse gas emissions related to the project. Emissions from the proposed project are not expected to cause health concerns nor be a detriment to the area's environmental quality. In addition, the air permit also requires Graphic Packaging continue operating its hydrogen sulfide Envirosuite stationary monitoring system.

As part of the requirements of its March air permit, Graphic Packaging had to develop and implement an Odor Investigation Plan. Results from the investigation, which include facility perimeter and community monitoring stations for hydrogen sulfide, were sent to EGLE on Nov. 3. This investigation was required after EGLE cited Graphic Packaging eight times since 2012 for odor violations after concerns were raised by the public. EGLE has received more than 100 complaints related to the company since 2010 and more than 80 of these were for odors. Graphic Packaging is also required to submit to EGLE an Odor Minimization Plan by early January 2021.

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If residents have complaints about Graphic Packaging, they should contact Monica Brothers of EGLE's Air Quality Division in the Kalamazoo District Office at 269-312-2535 or at BrothersM@Michigan.gov.

For more information about Graphic Packaging, go to Michigan.gov/EGLEGraphicPackaging.

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