Is your air safe? A guide to cumulative pollution impact in Southwest Detroit

April 7, 2026

Residents of Southwest Detroit are exposed to significant air pollution from dozens of industrial facilities concentrated in their neighborhoods, with one 3-mile area containing 58 pollution sources that contribute to respiratory problems, allergies, and other health issues. Michigan state legislators have introduced the Protecting Overburdened Communities Act, which would require the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to conduct cumulative impact assessments that consider combined pollution effects before issuing new facility permits. Currently, EGLE evaluates pollution sources individually and lacks statutory authority to consider cumulative impacts or compliance history when approving permits, even as the agency recently approved a new permit for EES Coke Battery on Zug Island despite ongoing federal lawsuits and violations.

Who is affected

Residents of Southwest Detroit, particularly in the Springwells neighborhood
Alexandra Castro, 24, experiencing severe seasonal allergies and health quality decline
Donald Spurr, 78, throat and lung cancer survivor
Maria Salinas, founder of Congress of Communities, who has chronic asthma and uterine cancer
Children, elderly adults over 65, pregnant people, and those with chronic heart or lung disease (sensitive populations)
Outdoor workers and frequent exercisers in affected areas
Residents living within a 3-mile radius of industrial facilities
EES Coke Battery/DTE Energy (subject to federal lawsuit and violation notices)
Over 170 employees at EES Coke Battery

What action is being taken

State Rep. Donavan McKinney and Sen. Stephanie Chang have introduced the Protecting Overburdened Communities Act in the Michigan Legislature
President Donald Trump is rolling back environmental protections and issuing pollution exemptions to facilities like DTE Energy's EES Coke Battery
The EPA has filed a federal lawsuit against DTE over Clean Air Act violations
DTE is appealing a $100-million federal court judgment in the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals
EGLE is evaluating individual pollution sources when granting air quality permits
EES Coke Battery is operating a new secondary screener within an enclosed building using foam suppressant

Why it matters

This situation matters because residents are experiencing serious health consequences from cumulative pollution exposure that current regulatory frameworks fail to address adequately. The existing permitting system evaluates pollution sources individually rather than considering the combined health impacts of multiple facilities, meaning communities already burdened by poor air quality can continue to receive additional pollution sources. The gap between regulatory compliance and actual community health demonstrates how industrial facilities can meet legal standards while still contributing to significant public health problems like asthma, cancer, and respiratory diseases. The proposed legislation represents a fundamental shift in how environmental justice would be evaluated, potentially protecting vulnerable communities from further pollution accumulation, though its passage remains uncertain given previous legislative failures.

What's next

The Protecting Overburdened Communities Act introduced in July 2025 is pending in the Michigan Legislature
DTE's appeal of the $100-million federal court judgment is proceeding in the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals
Maria Salinas is advocating for a cumulative impact health study of Southwest Detroit and establishment of a health clinic to address pollution-related illnesses
The new secondary screener at EES Coke Battery is planned to begin operating (specific timeline not stated)

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com