AHMEEK — An email Thursday from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy’s Air Quality Division states it is taking an enforcement action against Neuvokas Corporation, because the company did not follow air quality rules and regulations at their facility in Ahmeek, Keweenaw County.

The AQD is proposing that the alleged violations be resolved through a Consent Order with the company. A Consent Order is a legal and enforceable document that a company agrees to sign to resolve alleged air quality violations. Neuvokas produces a fiber-reinforced polymer rebar product at their facility in Ahmeek, that is used in commercial and residential infrastructure projects.

The issue between the company and the community residents has been ongoing for several years, where there have been some 189 complaints against the company by residents that continue to be unresolved.

The Keweenaw County Board at its regular April 2024 meeting reviewed a letter drafted by Chuck Miller, county attorney, requested by the Board in March, to governmental authorities regarding Neuvokas. The request of the Board to take action was made by the Keweenaw County Planning Commission.

The letter to EGLE and other governmental officials requested state authorities to resolve the ongoing odor concerns in a timely manner. The four-page letter, addressed to Annette Switzer, director of Air Quality Division at EGLE, requested that agency take immediate action to prevent Neuvokas from continuing to cause offensive odors to drift into adjacent residential areas, by obtaining a consent order requiring the company to promptly purchase and install equipment that will eliminate the odors or by referring the matter to the Michigan Attorney General for commencement of civil litigation aimed at closing the facility.

The AQD has issued four violations to Neuvokas between August 6, 2021, and October 18, 2023, alleging the company violated Mich Admin Code, R 336.1901(b). The company emitted odors that unreasonably interfered with nearby residents’ comfortable enjoyment of life and property. To resolve these violations, the EGLE proposed enforcement summary states, Neuvokas has agreed to enter into the proposed consent order.

The proposed consent order requires the company to pay an $11,000 fine and follow a compliance plan which includes the following:

• Hire a third-party consultant to evaluate the facility’s ventilation and control system and provide recommended odor control strategies;

• Carry out AQD-approved solutions that come out of the third-party evaluation;

• Follow and comply with the approved Nuisance Minimization Plan for Odors and to prevent odors from being emitted from the facility; and

• Install a vertical stack on one of the manufacturing lines to improve dispersion of air emissions.

The proposed consent order also includes fines the company must pay if it does not meet the requirements in the order.

EGLE will conduct a public comment period on the proposed consent order until July 16. An in-person information session will be held at 6 p.m. June 27 at Allouez Township Community Center at 388 Bumbletown Road, Allouez, Michigan. A virtual public hearing will be held July 9.

The AQW will review all comments before we make a final decision.

EGLE is providing two forums to get information, ask questions or submit an official comment about the proposed consent order.

1. Attend the in-person meeting at 6 p.m. June 27 at the Allouez Township Community Center, where the AQD staff will give an informational presentation, followed by a question and answer session.

2. Attend the online public hearing at 6 p.m. July 9. Pre-registration is not required. If you do not have internet access and would like to call in, you may call 636-651-3142 and use conference code 374288.