Detroit is a manufacturing city and with this comes hazardous waste – toxic, reactive, flammable, and corrosive material that’s dangerous to people. 

So what happens to all this hazardous waste? Federal and State Laws require facilities to obtain a license to store, dispose or treat it. 

That includes EQ Detroit Inc., which operates a hazardous waste site in Midtown near the I-94 and I-75 interchange. The company’s license is up for renewal, and not all residents are in support. 

But public sentiment is not the law, said Tracy Kecskemeti at the public informational meeting on Aug. 13. She’s the acting materials management division director for the Department of Environment Great Lakes and Energy. EGLE is the state regulator that oversees these hazardous waste sites. 

Producer Jack Filbrandt spoke to Detroit Documenters Colleen Cirrocco and Lynelle Herndon to learn more about what community members had to say. The next meeting on this issue is Sept. 4 at Tech Town. 

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EGLE seeks public input on hazardous waste site in Detroit

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy — known as EGLE — is asking for public feedback on a draft license renewal for US Ecology Detroit South, a hazardous waste management facility located at 1923 Frederick Street.

The proposed license would allow the facility to continue storing and treating hazardous waste. It does not permit any new operations or expansions.

EGLE is hosting two public meetings to answer questions and collect comments:

• Tuesday, August 13 from 6–8 p.m.

• Wednesday, September 4 from 6–9 p.m.

Both meetings will offer live interpretation in Arabic and Bengali. Residents can attend in person or join online.

To get meeting locations or virtual access links, visit Michigan.gov/EGLE and search for “US Ecology Detroit South.”

Additional headlines

Detroit launches $700K Startup Fund to boost tech innovation and jobs

Detroit has launched a new initiative to help local tech entrepreneurs grow and thrive. The Detroit Startup Fund, announced this week by the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation and city officials, will provide $700,000 in grant funding over the next year.

The fund is designed to support job creation, talent retention, and tech innovation in the city. It will award 26 grants to Detroit-based startups, with awards ranging from $15,000 to $50,000.

Applications for the first round of funding are due by August 25.

To learn more or apply, visit DetroitMI.gov.

Dearborn Homecoming Festival returns with music, fireworks, and family fun

The City of Dearborn is celebrating its 44th annual Homecoming Festival this weekend at Ford Field Park.

From August 1 to 3, festivalgoers can enjoy:

• All-day live music

• Carnival rides

• A vendor-packed arts district market

• Games, food, and family-friendly activities

• Fireworks shows on Saturday and Sunday nights

This beloved local tradition brings out thousands each year. For the full schedule and info, visit DearbornHomecoming.com.

Tigers face Phillies as Detroit looks to stay atop AL Central

The Detroit Tigers kick off a three-game series tonight against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.

The Tigers are currently sitting at 64–46, leading the American League Central. The Phillies come into the matchup with a 61–47 record.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:45 p.m. as Detroit looks to keep its momentum going.

Track the latest updates on the game here.