LANSING – State Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-Detroit) today applauded residents for coming to a community hearing on Monday evening to discuss their concerns regarding the potential permit renewal for the Systematic Recycling composting facility in Delray. The meeting was a partnership between Tlaib and Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision (SEDV).
"It was fantastic to see so many of our residents come out and let their opinions be heard," Tlaib said. "The Systematic Recycling composting facility has not only been a source of terrible odor, but it is putting our families and children at risk and harming our natural resources. A countless number of our residents have been affected by the facility, and I was proud to see them work together to improve our community."
At the meeting, Willa Williams, Director of the City of Detroit Department of Environmental Affairs, announced to residents that the city has no intention of renewing the host agreement with Systematic Recycling.
"Composting facilities, if operated properly, are positive alternatives for disposing yard waste," Tlaib said. "However, since 2006, our community has hosted a facility that has consistently violated the law by allowing 'air contaminants that endanger human health and property or unreasonable interference with the comfortable enjoyment of life and property.'"
Since opening in 2006, the composting site has received numerous complaints from residents regarding its odor problems. It also has been cited by Wayne County and state officials for alleged infractions such as taking in too much compost and piling the waste into mounds that are too tall. According to Wayne County Department of the Environment, the mounds burst into flames three times last year.
The site also has been found non-compliant during Wayne County inspections, as well as during others conducted by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
"I couldn't have imagined a better outcome from this meeting," Tlaib said. "This composting facility has been a burden on our community for far too long. I take great pride in serving my constituents, and this is a great example of what we can accomplish when we work together to make our community a better place for all of our families."