MUNDY TOWNSHIP, Mich. – The Advanced Manufacturing district currently under construction in Mundy Township has been issued multiple environmental violations for alleged construction practices.

The violations were issued by Michigan’s Department of Energy, Great Lakes, and Environment (EGLE) against the builders of the Mundy Megasite, the Flint and Genesee Economic Alliance (FGEA) and their holding company Maple & Hill LLC.

During an inspection on March 18, EGLE found that alleged “site preparation” activities have been disturbing the local community, and destroying protected wetlands.

In a statement, the Economic Development Responsibility Alliance notes that several community members had been expressing concerns about the demolition of local properties. These properties include marketable homes and buildings next door to occupied homes, businesses, an organic regenerative agriculture farm, and an active elementary school.

In addition to the demolitions, alleged disruptions during construction include:

internet fiberwire being cut to a school while it was in session damages being caused to neighbors’ property noise nuisances starting as early as 6AM.

The EGLE has found that the site’s developer was in violation of Part 301, Inland Lakes and Streams, of the National Resources Environmental Protection Act (NREPA).

Infringing activities the EGLE said they found include:

installation of a culvert and fill in the Lizard Valley Drain (a stream) to construct a stream crossing,placement of rock fill in the Lizard Valley Drain to construct a check dam,cutting and removal of vegetation along the Lizard Valley Drain and Warner Drain.

The FGEA was also found to be in violation of Part 303, Wetlands Protection, due to “the cutting and removal of trees and vegetation from wetlands” without a permit.

Under the violations, the EGLE is requesting that the developers provide detailed information about the project by May 5,and request multiple proper permits instead of using “piecemeal permitting.” They have also advised that all unauthorized activities occurring within the property stop.

Tyler Rossmaessler, the executive director of the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance issued this statement in response to the violations:

The Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance is committed to protecting our air, land and water in the community we proudly serve. We are dedicated to doing our part to ensure the ongoing site work at the Advanced Manufacturing District of Genesee County meets the highest standards for conservation and environmental stewardship.We are working closely with the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) to keep them informed about our ongoing efforts at the site and we are partnering closely with them to address any concerns or questions they may have so we protect our air, land and water while developing a world-class site that attracts a job-creating project.

EGLE say that they have been in communications with the FEGA and look forward to their partnership:

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy has been in discussions with the Flint and Genesee Economic Alliance to clarify our expectations as work is completed at the site. EGLE did identify unpermitted work but are confident the Flint and Genesee Economic Alliance are committed to working with our agency to ensure these activities are properly permitted and we look forward to continuing our partnership to bring positive economic development opportunities to the community while protecting the environment.

Requests were submitted back in December for the work to be red tagged by Mundy Township Building officials but the request was denied.