Federal air pollution lawsuit to move forward against Kalamazoo carboard packaging plant | WKZO | Everything Kalamazoo

KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — A class-action lawsuit on a Kalamazoo cardboard packaging plant is set to move forward.

The lawsuit was filed by residents upset with emissions by Graphic Packaging International on North Pitcher Street.

US District Court Judge Janet Neff denied a motion by the plan to dismiss or stay the lawsuit in a ruling in US District Court Western District of Michigan back on Monday, January 31. Northside neighborhood residents filed the lawsuit in September of 2020, saying the plant continued to release noxious odors, air particles, and dust onto their property.

Residents complained in the lawsuit about burning eyes and breathing problems.

Neff’s decision follows the March 2021 motion filed by Graphic Packaging to dismiss or pause the case indefinitely while the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy investigated nuisance odor complaints and enforced violations of environmental law.

In the January 31 ruling, Neff stated that Graphic Packaging International “fails to specify a single issue or determination by EGLE or any agency that would benefit or impact this case.”

Laura Sheets, a Detroit attorney representing the Kalamazoo residents, said more than 150 area households have asked to join the lawsuit.