Overpowering odors from a nearby recycling facility prompted the early release of preschoolers from a Lincoln Park early childhood education center on Tuesday, June 2.
The state’s environmental regulator, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, was already working through an Oct. 6, 2025, notice of violation for odors with Ruby Recycling LLC, located at 3298 Dix Highway. The company’s fenceline is adjacent to the Crowley Center, an early childhood education center operated by Lincoln Park Public Schools.
In a statement, Lincoln Park Public Schools Superintendent Terry Dangerfield discussed the ongoing situation and the decision to send preschoolers home early on Tuesday:
“At Lincoln Park Public Schools, the safety and security of our students is our top priority,” he stated. “On Tuesday morning, Crowley Center staff reported a strong odor coming from a business adjacent to the school. Out of an abundance of caution, Crowley students were sent home while the district assessed and tested the school for any remaining odors. The school was determined safe for students to return on Wednesday.
“This has been a chronic issue affecting the quality of our school environment. Our district has filed numerous complaints with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy regarding these concerns. To date, there has been no remedy to the situation. We will continue to monitor this situation closely and keep our families updated on any developments. Meanwhile, we are looking forward to a safe and successful end to a very successful school year.”
Area residents have complained for years about strong odors emanating from the Ruby Recycling property. EGLE staff investigating an odor complaint on Sept. 15, 2025, reported: “persistent moderate to strong offensive odors of gasoline, oil and general automotive fluids observed emitting from the facility and impacting a school and residential areas downwind.”
The violation required Ruby Recycling to respond to EGLE with an explanation for the odors and actions taken and proposed to be taken to correct the violation of state air quality standards.
In an Oct. 24, 2025, response letter to EGLE, Ruby Recycling President Jeff Sonne stated that the company had purchased a mobile drill allowing for a sealed connection and pump to move gasoline from vehicles into storage tanks. In January, he informed EGLE that the drills were on hand and being used.
Sonne responded to Free Press inquiries with an emailed statement.
“Ruby Recycling understands the concerns raised by parents and residents regarding Tuesday’s early dismissal at the Crowley Center,” he stated.
“Ruby Recycling does not use specialized or hazardous chemicals in its operations. The company operates in full compliance with local zoning and community board requirements and is regularly inspected by EGLE, Michigan’s environmental regulatory agency, consistently meeting all applicable standards. Ruby has been frequently communicating with the City and will remain in frequent contact with the City moving forward.
“Ownership has also made significant investments to the property as part of its commitment to being a responsible neighbor. As parents and community members ourselves, the safety of local families is something we take very seriously.”
EGLE, in a statement, said it was aware of the latest odor issues associated with Ruby Recycling, and that the agency has “been actively responding to complaints.”
“A violation notice was issued to the facility on Oct. 6, 2025, and it remains open as we continue to assess the situation and monitor compliance,” EGLE officials stated.
“After receiving a complaint earlier this week, a staff member visited the site on Tuesday. By the time they arrived, the odor had dissipated, but we are continuing to follow up on all reports.”
EGLE encourages community members to report odor complaints to the agency via the MiEnviro Portal, accessible by visiting Michigan.gov and searching “MiEnviro Portal.”
Contact Keith Matheny: kmatheny@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: It smelled so bad outside, a downriver Detroit school was forced to close
Reporting by Keith Matheny, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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By Keith Matheny, Detroit Free Press | USA TODAY Network
