Michigan's Air Quality Crisis: What's Causing It?

Michigan, a state in the Great Lakes and Upper Midwest regions of the United States, is widely known as the centre of the US automotive industry. In recent years, Michigan has been ranked among the top 10 states with the most counties ranking highest for the worst air quality. Detroit, in particular, has been named one of the worst cities in the nation for annual particle pollution. This poor air quality has been attributed to various factors, including industrial sources, automotive emissions, and agricultural activities.

Detroit's Wayne County is Michigan's most polluted county

Wayne County, one of Michigan's most industrialized regions, faces significant air quality challenges due to high traffic and numerous industrial facilities. The Ford Motor Company Rouge Complex in Dearborn is a major source of particulate matter pollution in the county. Additionally, the area has several manufacturing plants that emit pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which contribute to ground-level ozone formation.

The presence of heavy industry in communities of color has been a concern, with people of color making up 63% of the population in the most polluted counties. Efforts to address this issue are being made, such as New Jersey's cumulative impact law, which restricts permits for new facilities or expansions in overburdened communities.

The oil industry has also been a significant contributor to air pollution in Detroit. Marathon Oil, located on Fort Street, produces up to 140,000 barrels of oil a day and operates 24 hours a year-round. In 2014, the refinery emitted 430 tons of nitrous oxide, 83 tons of PM2.5, and 211 tons of sulfur dioxide. The company has been fined for failing to comply with federal air quality rules and regulations.

While there has been some improvement in air quality over the years, with ozone levels lower than they were 25 years ago, Detroit's Wayne County continues to struggle with poor air quality, making it Michigan's most polluted county.

Oil refineries emit nitrous oxide, PM2.5 and sulphur dioxide

Michigan, a state in the Great Lakes and Upper Midwest regions of the United States, is widely known as the centre of the US automotive industry. It is home to the country's three major automobile companies, all headquartered in Metro Detroit. The state has a population of almost 10 million, and its air quality has been a matter of concern.

One of the major contributors to poor air quality in Michigan is the Marathon Oil Company, which operates 24 hours a day, all year round. In 2014, the refinery emitted 430 tons of nitrous oxide, 83 tons of PM2.5, and 211 tons of sulphur dioxide. Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a potent greenhouse gas emitted during the combustion of fossil fuels and solid waste, as well as wastewater treatment. It has a significant impact on the atmosphere, contributing to the worldwide abundance of this gas. PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter, which can be emitted from industrial sources and vehicles. Sulphur dioxide, another pollutant, is released into the air during the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil.

The effects of these pollutants on human health are significant. Nitrous oxide, for example, has been linked to increased hospitalisation rates for asthma in southwest Detroit and the surrounding areas, which are nearly triple the state average. Additionally, cancer rates in these areas are also much higher than average. The average life expectancy of someone living in Detroit can differ from those in the suburbs by 10 to 15 years.

The Michigan Department of Environmental, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) plays a crucial role in regulating air pollution. EGLE has the authority to issue permits and enforce National Ambient Air Quality Standards to keep pollutant levels below harmful thresholds. Despite this, Marathon Petroleum Company has been fined for failing to comply with its renewable operating permit and federal air quality rules and regulations.

While air quality in Michigan has improved compared to 50 years ago, when the Clean Air Act was introduced, there is still a long way to go. The state continues to grapple with the challenges posed by industrial emissions, automobile emissions, and the health and environmental impacts that follow.

Car, factory and livestock emissions

Michigan, widely known as the centre of the US automotive industry, is home to the country's three major automobile companies, all headquartered in Metro Detroit. While there are no vehicle emissions testing requirements in Michigan, the state usually requires vehicles to pass a safety inspection for registration. Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVs) are exempt from this rule.

The state of Michigan does not offer any tax credits or tax deductions for driving eco-friendly or green vehicles. However, the US Federal Government offers a $7500 Alternative Fuel Vehicle tax deduction. Some insurance companies also provide rate discounts for eco-friendly vehicles and driving habits.

In 2014, the Marathon Oil refinery in Detroit emitted 430 tons of nitrous oxide, 83 tons of PM2.5, and 211 tons of sulphur dioxide. The company has been fined by the Michigan Department of Environmental, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) for failing to comply with its renewable operating permit and federal air quality rules and regulations.

In addition to car and factory emissions, livestock and poultry production contribute to air emissions in Michigan. According to Michigan State University Extension, the three greenhouse gases of greatest concern from farms are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). Methane is released during animal digestion and from manure storage, while nitrous oxide is released solely from manure storage.

Ground-level ozone pollution

Ground-level ozone is a major component of smog, a harmful air pollutant. It is created when volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) react with sunlight. VOCs are compounds that evaporate easily into the air and are emitted from sources such as industrial use of solvents, evaporation of gasoline, and consumer products like paints and cleaning products. NOx is emitted from vehicles, power plants, and various industrial sources, usually when some type of fuel is burned.

Ozone is a highly reactive gas consisting of three oxygen atoms (O3). It is formed in the atmosphere over time and is considered a regional pollutant. The impacts of ozone are usually not found directly at the sources of VOCs or NOx because it takes time for them to combine in the atmosphere. Weather conditions play a significant role in the production and impact of ground-level ozone. It is typically generated on warm, sunny, non-breezy days.

In Michigan, the transport of ozone is most noticeable on the Lake Michigan side of the state. Recent studies have shown that ozone produced over Lake Michigan from upwind states' VOC and NOx emissions is carried into the shoreline of West Michigan. The state has 27 state and tribal air monitors that measure ozone levels 24 hours a day during the 8-month ozone season, from March through October, when ozone formation is most favourable due to high temperatures and humidity.

The EGLE (formerly known as the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy) is responsible for collecting and providing air quality data to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA, in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), utilises this data to create a comprehensive dataset, including modelled data for counties without air monitors.

Wildfires in summer

Wildfires are a common occurrence in the summer months in Michigan, and they can significantly impact the state's air quality. The burning of unwanted materials, such as leaves, grass, and debris, releases air pollutants and poses a forest fire hazard. The smoke and haze from wildfires can contain particulate matter, such as soot and smoke, which can be large or dark enough to be visible. These particles can irritate the eyes and lungs, reduce visibility, and create unpleasant odors.

In addition to wildfires, Michigan's air quality in the summer can be affected by other sources of pollution. For example, the state is home to the country's three major automobile companies, which are all headquartered in Metro Detroit. Road traffic, particularly during holiday travel, can contribute to the emission of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ground-level ozone, which is harmful to breathe. Ground-level ozone can cause narrowing of the airways and lungs, making it harder for the body to receive oxygen. Individuals with respiratory diseases, children, and adults who work or exercise outdoors are particularly susceptible to the effects of ozone exposure.

Furthermore, industrial sources of pollution, such as oil refineries, can also impact Michigan's air quality in the summer. For instance, the Marathon Oil Company, located in District 48217, has been fined for exceeding state and national emission limits. The oil refinery emitted 430 tons of nitrous oxide, 83 tons of PM2.5, and 211 tons of sulfur dioxide in 2014. The high levels of pollution in this area have led to asthma hospitalization rates that are nearly triple the state average, and cancer rates are also much higher than average.

To improve air quality during the summer months, Michigan residents can take several measures. Upgrading to an EPA-certified wood stove or other clean-burning technology can reduce particle pollution and protect health. Additionally, proper waste disposal and burning practices can help prevent wildfires and reduce air pollution. By following these steps and working together, Michigan can take steps toward improving its air quality and protecting the health and safety of its residents during the summer season.

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