And we’ll show you two ways to help. Together, we can be a voice for change and protect Michigan’s land, air, water, public health, and democracy.
October 23rd, 2020
Attorney General Nessel filed a civil lawsuit on behalf of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, & Energy against the operators of Arbor Hills Landfill in Salem Township, Michigan. In the lawsuit, the AG alleges Arbor Hills failed to comply with state and federal regulations and endangered the public’s health, safety, and welfare. The AG and EGLE are seeking injunctive relief that requires the landfill to operate in compliance with state and federal laws regulating air quality and solid waste management. According to locals living adjacent to the site, the Arbor Hills Landfill has been a nuisance for years and is a potential threat to the health of neighboring residents. EGLE has received numerous complaints over the last four years about the landfill’s odor, which is caused by a flammable combination of hydrogen sulfide and methane. The landfill is run by a company called Advanced Disposal Services which has a checkered past of environmental citations, including failing to install adequate collection and control systems that capture gas and leachate, which can contaminate nearby groundwater, even after telling the state they would install these systems on multiple occasions.
These actions serve as an example of what regulating agencies can, and should, do to hold polluters accountable as we push for increased enforcement of existing environmental laws and nuisance ordinances. With this lawsuit, AG Nessel continues to display her commitment to protecting the health and safety of Michigan residents by cracking down on irresponsible behavior of bad actors.