The Eagle

Public hearing set for hazardous waste permit

Area residents will have a chance to be heard regarding the pending hazardous waste management facility operating license for Wayne Disposal, Inc. during a public information meeting and hearing set for Sept. 18.

The hazardous waste facility in Van Buren Township is currently seeking a state permit to expand disposal capacity, sparking significant community opposition. Residents and elected officials have expressed concerns regarding the disposal of radioactive waste from the East Palestine, Ohio, train derailment and World War II-era Manhattan Project sites. Members of the public have protested the expansion and past waste shipments, advocating for increased transparency and stricter state regulations to prevent what they call a "bargain bin for dumping waste". 

The waste disposal facility is located at 49350 North I-94 Service Drive and is currently licensed to dispose of hazardous waste by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). There has been significant community opposition for the expansion proposal and past acceptance of radioactive waste.  A lawsuit by local governments has already halted shipments of contaminated soil and rubble from the construction of the atomic bomb during the Manhattan Project. That radioactive waste was eventually shipped to another disposal site following the public outcry regarding the proximity of the disposal near Belleville Lake and residential neighborhoods.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EGLE) representatives have already given notice of intent to approve the permit and licensing for expansion at Wayne Disposal Inc. (WDI). The facility is proposing expansion of disposal volume and the addition of hazardous waste storage capacity. The new permit would allow WDI to begin storing hazardous waste in containers, and to continue disposing of hazardous waste, certain radiological materials, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) waste generated offsite.
The Sept. 18 in-person public informational meeting and hearing set for 5 until 9 p.m. Sept. 19 at Wayne County Community College District, Ted Scott Campus, 9555 Haggerty Road in Van Buren Township, will start with an open house from 5-6 p.m. for residents to come and talk to EGLE and U.S. EPA staff one-on-one, ask questions and learn about the facility in general, according to an announcement from the licensing agency.
The open house will be followed by a presentation from 6-7 p.m. about the application and draft license, and a session with a panel. The public meeting will be followed by a public hearing from 7-9 p.m. where interested individuals will have an opportunity to submit oral or written comments on the draft license into the formal record. Public comment can be made by mail or email until 5 p.m. Sept. 29.
To attend online, register at https://bit.ly/MMD09182025 and participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about how to join the meeting. For those who do not have internet access and would like to join by phone only, use the following phone number: (636) 651-3142, and conference code 374288. Pre-registration is not required to attend. The draft license, application, and associated materials for more detailed information are available at the Belleville Area District Library. All individuals attending the public hearing in person who intend to speak are requested to register by filling out a comment card.
Comments may be given at any time before the end of the comment period at 5 p.m. Sept. 29. Participants may provide comments on the draft license in person at the public hearing; by email: EGLE-MMD-HWS@Michigan.gov or by U.S. mail: EGLE, Materials Management Division, Attn: Christine Matlock, P.O. Box 30241, Lansing, MI 48909-7741
For questions about the application or draft license, contact Matlock at (517) 290-4612, MatlockC2@Michigan.gov or EGLE-MMD-HWS@Michigan.gov.