MI State Officials Cite Detroit Factory For Strong Odor

DETROIT — The Detroit Assembly Complex on Mack Avenue was hit with a citation by Michigan state officials for a strong odor coming from the factory.

The Michigan Department of Environment and Great Lakes Energy Department issued the air quality violation after investigations found a strong paint/solvent odor coming from the new jeep plant, which is operated by FCA Stellantis NV.

The investigations were performed on Aug. 27, Aug. 31 and Sept. 3, and determined the "moderate to strong" odor was impacting residential areas, according to the citation.

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Residents around the factory have complained about smelling a strong paint odor, as well as burning eyes and headaches.

"You know the smell and the fumes from the paint," Detroit resident Lonnie Carter told Fox 2 Detroit. "One day we had a Beniteau meeting down here - actually last Friday. And during the time we had the meeting, you could smell the paint, it smelled bleachy, and my eyes were burning. And I didn't know where it was coming from, then I figured out it was coming from the plant."

The Detroit News reported reported that FCA Stellantis NV is reviewing the source of the odor and is working with state officials to solve it.

"Stellantis is currently reviewing the notice it received today from EGLE," the automaker said in a statement. "We take all environmental issues seriously and understand our responsibility to be a good neighbor. We are working with EGLE to identify and resolve any concerns in an affirmative manner."

Oct. 11 was the deadline for FCA Stellantis NV to respond to state officials with an explanation for the odors and how the company plans to decrease or eliminate them, or object to the citation.