Info session, hearing slated for Ford’s new gas-fired facility

DEARBORN, MI — The public is invited to give their input to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality on DTE’s proposed power-generating plant that will be designed to serve Ford Motor Company’s Research and Engineering Center, which is undergoing a transformation. An informational meeting is set for 5:30 p.m. March 27 inside the auditorium at Edsel Ford High School with a public hearing following at 7 p.m. Comments are welcome to be submitted until that point and guests can also make comments about the project to officials at the event.

The DTE proposal includes the installation and operation of two new natural gas-fired combined cycle combustion turbine generators with heat recovery steam generators, duct burners and an emergency engine. The new facility will be located at 1641 Caroll Shelby Way East.

Staff will provide a brief introduction to the proposed project and will answer questions at the informational session. The purpose of the hearing is to take formal testimony and during that time, questions will not be answered. Staff will also be on hand to talk about the project outside of the hearing room.

Concerned residents can also submit comments to the MDEQ via mail addressed to Annette Switzer, Permit Section Manager, MDEQ, Air Quality Division, P.O. Box 30260, Lansing, MI, 48909-7760, or at online under “Submit Comment” for DTE Dearborn CEP LLC, PTI no. 144-17 listing. Edsel Ford High School is located at 20601 Rotunda Drive in Dearborn.

A natural gas-fired power station is pictured in Longbeach, Cali. Photo by David McNew/Getty Images