Several Wayne County commissioners raised concerns about a proposed expansion at a hazardous waste disposal facility in Van Buren Township, expressing frustration with limited public notice and asking for stronger coordination with state regulators.

Commissioner Killeen said she read a local newspaper item about the facility’s proposal and that the notice had been buried in the back pages. “It’s seeking to increase the disposal capability by about 23% or 500,000,000 — I need to get this right — 5,000,000 cubic yards of space to add,” Killeen said, adding she was unsure of the exact figure and was relaying the media account. She also told colleagues the facility’s state license was reported in the article as expired in May 2022 and that an informational meeting originally scheduled for May 28 had been rescheduled.

Commissioner Wilson said he has worked on the issue with state and local officials, attended a press conference in Lansing and coordinated with state Rep. Reggie Miller, local supervisors and community activists. Wilson cited concerns about truck traffic through local communities and the potential for hazardous materials, noting the facility — referred to in the discussion as Wayne Disposal — is reportedly licensed to receive hundreds of hazardous waste types.

Commissioner Baker McCormick asked whether county administration or Detroit Public Schools had received official notices of the state hearing; she asked staff to report whether the county had been notified. Commissioners discussed possible next steps, including working with state lawmakers, considering a standing task force to monitor the permitting process, and continuing litigation and administrative engagement already under way.

Why it matters: Commissioners framed the issue as both an environmental and a public-notice problem. They urged the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and other state agencies to improve outreach so local residents and elected officials receive timely notice of permit changes for facilities handling hazardous materials.