Detroit Residents Demand Shutdown of Polluting Concrete Plant

In Detroit’s Cadillac Heights, frustration and concern have reached a boiling point as residents rally for the closure of a local concrete plant. The Kronos Concrete plant, which has been active for two years, is at the center of this community uproar due to persistent issues related to air quality and noise pollution.

Local inhabitants have voiced worries over the dust, noise, increased truck traffic, and health issues they link to the facility’s operation. At a recent news conference, prominent figures such as Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, a former Wayne County public health director and current U.S. Senate candidate, and State Senator Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) joined residents in calling for decisive action.

Speakers highlighted the potential health risks posed by the plant, including migraines, asthma, and respiratory difficulties. They urged city authorities to address these environmental and health concerns promptly.

Lifelong resident Diana Tucker Morris expressed her struggles living near the facility: “I am currently experiencing breathing problems that have increased even more,” she explains. “The dust from the plant is deadly.”

Dr. El-Sayed also addressed the gathering, describing the health risks associated with inhaling fine concrete dust. “You would think the bigger stuff would be a problem, but your body actually is pretty good at being able to cough up the bigger ones,” El-Sayed said. “It’s the smaller ones that’s a problem. Those smaller ones, when you breathe them in your body can’t cough them up. They get stuck in your lungs. For babies and children, that means that their lungs are constantly working against the added pressure of the gunk that is inside of them increases the probability of asthma and chronic lung disease later in life.”

He pointed out that data from air quality monitors revealed that nearly half of the days failed to meet acceptable air quality standards.

Advocates are pushing for the “immediate shutdown” of the Kronos facility, which is owned by Crown Enterprises, and propose the land be repurposed for “beneficial neighborhood use” to rejuvenate the area.

In response, Kronos officials maintain that the plant operates in accordance with legal zoning and safety regulations, a stance supported by city officials. They also highlight its economic contribution, employing over 40 local workers.