Stellantis Submits Odor Mitigation Plan for Mack Plant to EGLE

  • Action plan part of report detailing comprehensive odor testing and modeling exercises conducted in response to community concerns
  • Analyzed 152 odor samples taken from 42 potential sources to identify odor mitigation actions to be taken at facility
  • Work to complete identified corrective measures already in progress
  • Air quality data from 2021 show odors present no health risk to area residents
January 7, 2022 , Auburn Hills, Mich. -  Following a thorough and comprehensive investigation, analysis and modeling of potential odors emanating from the Detroit Assembly Complex - Mack plant, Stellantis today submitted a detailed report on its findings and an action plan for odor mitigation to the Air Quality Division (AQD) of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). The investigation was initiated in response to concerns raised in the community beginning in August.

Stellantis retained the services of an environmental engineering company with odor investigation expertise to conduct source sampling. Over a period of 13 days in October and November, 152 odor samples were collected from 42 different potential sources in and around the facility for analysis.

Using those results, a second third-party specialty engineering firm completed dispersion modeling, used to predict the potential odor impact from specific sources at the facility, and evaluated the effectiveness of proposed mitigation strategies.

The modeling results identified a number of corrective actions that, once implemented, will ensure that odors do not reach the neighboring community. The odor mitigation plan includes implementation of the following initiatives in specific areas of the paint shop:
  • Routing ducting to the existing emissions control system as required in the air permit was completed on Dec. 19, ahead of schedule. Odors generated from the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the exhaust will now be reduced by thermal oxidation in the emission control system
  • Installing a completely new and dedicated regenerative thermal oxidizer (RTO) and ducting. The exhaust from two existing stacks will be routed to this new system to destroy odor contributing compounds
  • Routing the clean air exhaust from the existing concentrator to the stack of the new RTO to improve dispersion through increased velocity and height. The concentrator removes VOCs and “concentrates” them into smaller volumes so the RTO can destroy them more efficiently
  • Using odor reducing technologies as needed in specific areas that have been identified as minor odor contributing sources 
Stellantis is proceeding with the engineering and procurement necessary to complete these corrective actions, including specification of long-lead items like the RTO. A timeline for completion of these activities will depend, in part, on the outcome of discussions with EGLE regarding permitting requirements and deadlines imposed through the enforcement process. 

As the company works to address odor concerns, air quality monitoring is ongoing; however, sampling performed by both Stellantis and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2021 shows that the odors reaching the community do not present a health risk to area residents. 
 
Stellantis North America
Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) is one of the world’s leading automakers, aiming to provide clean, safe and affordable freedom of mobility for all. In North America, it's best known for producing and selling vehicles in a portfolio of iconic, innovative and award-winning brands, including Jeep®, Chrysler, Dodge//SRT, Ram, Alfa Romeo and Fiat. Stellantis is executing its Dare Forward 2030, a bold strategic plan that paves the way to achieve the ambitious target of becoming a carbon net zero mobility tech company by 2038, while creating added value for all stakeholders. 

Follow company news and video on:
Company blog: http://blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com
Media website: http://media.stellantisnorthamerica.com
Company website: www.stellantis.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/Stellantis
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StellantisNA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stellantisna
Twitter: @StellantisNA
YouTube: http://youtube.com/StellantisNA 

Contact Information

Jodi Tinson
Cell: (586) 219-0677
Download Video Embed