This is the fourth air quality violation for Stellantis in Michigan since September
Strong odors are inconveniencing neighbouring residents
The Warren Plant was modernised in 2019 to produce the Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer
Automotive factories are under strict scrutiny when it comes to pollution and Stellantis can attest to it, since it has now received four air quality violations in Michigan over the last three months.
The latest violation comes from the Warren Assembly plant which makes the Ram 1500 Classic and the Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer.
Residents of the surrounding areas are complaining of strong chemical odors that cause headaches. These odors are most likely due to the painting process.
These complaints have been ongoing for several months and it seems the chemicals might be impacting the resident’s health, since the area around the factory has one of the highest hospitalisation rates for asthma in the entire state of Michigan.
Paint booth of Stellantis’ Warren Assembly | Photo: Stellantis
Regulators from the state have confirmed the statements of the plaintiffs by recording paint odors “of moderate to strong intensity” that cause an “unreasonable interference with the comfortable enjoyment of life and property”.
Stellantis has responded by creating a webpage that discloses information relating to the violations and what the company intends to do to fix the problem.
The automaker is currently in the process of inspecting the painting area in order to find defects or ways to modify the filtration system to improve the air quality surrounding the factory.
This is surprising since the Warren assembly plant has received a $1.5 billion modernisation in 2019 to produce the new Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer.
