Graphic packaging kalamazoo1/19/2024 ![]() ![]() ![]() The complaint named the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Graphic Packaging International, the City of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Mayor David Anderson, Gov. A class action lawsuit filed Wednesday alleged the gas emissions from the City of Kalamazoo's northside neighborhood violated the Clean Art Act and civil rights. She said the residents' health is still not being prioritized.KALAMAZOO, Mich. ![]() Read more: Judge allows federal air pollution lawsuit to move forward against Kalamazoo factoryĪ former Northside resident told News Channel 3 that residents plan to voice their opposition of the CBA during the Kalamazoo City Commission meeting on Monday.But the state has yet to release its report about possible long-term health effects. Graphic Packaging said it has taken steps to mitigate the odors by improving its chemical treatment process and using monitoring equipment, among other efforts.Ī report released in October by the Environmental Protection Agency and EGLE stated that the smells are not considered harmful for short-term exposure. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) said it has received 100 odor complaints against Graphic Packaging since 2012, which resulted in eight violations. Residents fear of long-term health effects, especially since the Northside neighborhood has a higher-than-normal asthma rate. Previous coverage: Residents near Kalamazoo carboard recycling plant concerned about air toxicity, odor.The smell, caused by the gas, hydrogen sulfide, is reminiscent of a rotten egg. The CBA would help address the impact of the expansion on the Northside and Eastside neighborhoods, the agenda report stated.īut the facility has been under scrutiny for the odor it emits into the Northside and Eastside neighborhoods. Graphic Packaging International, which recently underwent a $600 million expansion at its Kalamazoo plant on North Pitcher Street, has become the largest producer of coated recycled paperboard in North America, the agenda report said. We have jointly developed a proposed agreement that we believe sets the stage for increased community involvement and supports local economic benefits." "During our meetings, we reviewed a number of ideas that were brought forward by committee members and discussed those ideas in a transparent process. “Graphic Packaging has been engaged in conversations with the CBA Steering Committee over the past three months in a very thoughtful and productive process," said Graphic Packaging Vice President of Government Affairs Andy Johnson. The Kalamazoo City Commission Agenda Report recommends approval of the CBA during the City Commission meeting on Monday. The team would be comprised of two members named by Graphic Packaging, two members named by the city, two Community Development Act Advisory Committee (CDAAC) members representing the residents of Northside and Eastside, and two CDAAC at-large members, said the proposal. The CBA Steering Team would decide how to distribute the grant money and oversee the other aspects of the proposal. Lastly, Graphic Packaging would provide $60,000 to fund programs that would promote inclusivity and economic empowerment within the neighborhoods, the proposal said. Thirdly, under the proposed agreement, Graphic Packaging would help improve a multi-use site that would be used for neighborhood businesses, food trucks and youth activities. ![]() The job fairs will take place within those neighborhoods. The CBA would also require Graphic Packaging to hold two job fairs for Northside and Eastside residents to let them know of career opportunities with the company. The liaison would also be tasked with helping residents gain a better understanding of Graphic Packaging's local facilities and employment opportunities, the proposal said. Under the proposed agreement, Graphic Packaging would select and contract with a community relations liaison, whose job would be to build relationships with residents of the Northside and Eastside neighborhoods, as well as neighborhood associations, faith-based organizations and other groups.
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