Pharmacia & Upjohn Company, LLC

The facility is subject to multiple environmental regulatory programs, carried out by multiple government agencies.  Each agency issues separate permits or licenses under the authority they are assigned under the regulations.  The permit or license issued by each agency identifies what P&UC must do to operate properly, to prevent the release of contaminants to the environment, and to limit any allowed discharge of contaminants to levels determined to be protective of human health and the environment.  Each agency requires monitoring and performs independent oversight to ensure the facility is operated in a protective manner that meets the permits and license requirements.  The agencies also share information to ensure compliance.

EGLE, MMD licenses and inspects P&UC’s hazardous waste operations, with inspections occurring at least four times per year.  These inspections are typically unannounced and are performed to verify the facility is operating in a manner that meets the license requirements.  The MMD evaluates P&UC’s hazardous waste storage, treatment, emergency planning, employee training, and recordkeeping.  For information on EGLEs hazardous waste licensing, inspections, fees, and other oversight for P&UC, please see the Waste Data System. 

Although the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) does not permit or license the facility, they may also conduct inspections of the facility to verify compliance with air, water, and waste regulations.  The U.S. EPA last conducted an inspection of air emissions from tanks and containers at the facility in 2023.

The hazardous waste laws and supporting regulations provide enforceable standards for the treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. They also require tracking of hazardous waste from the generator and transporter to the disposal facility to ensure proper management and disposal that is protective of health, safety and our environment. To maintain the quality of our groundwater, most hazardous waste must be treated prior to being disposed of in a licensed landfill.

Hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities are highly regulated, highly engineered facilities with extensive oversight and design requirements. The hazardous waste regulations that prescribe the standards that must be met in any license action taken by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality include:

• Part 111, Hazardous Waste Management, of the Michigan Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended, and its administrative rules.
• The corresponding federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA), as amended by the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments of 1984 (HSWA), and its rules.

Hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities (TSDFs) are highly regulated, highly engineered facilities, with extensive design and oversight requirements.  The hazardous waste regulations that prescribe the standards that must be met in any license action taken by EGLE include, in part: waste analysis, personnel training, compliance inspections, preparedness and prevention, contingency and closure planning, recordkeeping and reporting, engineering, management of waste, environmental monitoring, corrective action, financial assurance, and air emission standards.

EGLE, MMD issues operating licenses for the management of hazardous waste, that remain effective for 10 years as provided under the state and federal regulations.  The license renewal process gives EGLE an opportunity to update facility information, review operations, and improve the license by clarify license requirements that enhances the protections included in the license.  To reissue a license, EGLE's review must conclude: 

• The license renewal application is sufficiently detailed to evaluate the facility and its potential for impact on human health and the environment.
• The facility satisfies all technical design, construction, and operating standards under governing regulations.
• The facility does not present a hazard to human health or the environment, as determined by EGLE inspections and compliance with applicable environmental regulations.
• The license includes all necessary conditions to ensure safe and proper waste storage.

Pfizer, on behalf of P&UC, submitted a hazardous waste operating license renewal application on June 16, 2022, before the December 14, 2022, expiration date, of the current license.  Timely submittal of the renewal application allows P&UC to continue operating under the current license until EGLE takes final action on the renewal application.  Documents related to the renewal are available electronically below, and can be viewed by appointment at the following locations:

Final Operating License

• License Language
• Attachments
  • Waste Analysis Plan
  • Inspection Schedules
  • Personnel Training Program
  • Contingency Plan
  • Closure and Post-Closure Care Plans
  • Engineering Plans
  • Hazardous Waste Generated and Accepted at the Facility
  • Preventative Procedures
  • Groundwater Sampling and Analysis Program
  • Statistical Evaluation Program

The purpose of public involvement was to ensure that people interested in a proposed EGLE action are aware of the license review and have an opportunity to provide input on the renewal application before EGLE reaches a conclusion and decides to approve or deny the application. 

EGLE encouraged the community to engage throughout the application review process. 

As part of the final decision, EGLE hosted a public meeting and hearing to present information related to the application and draft license, and to receive formal comments from the community.

Notice of Final Decision