Report on Stellantis Wetlands Development Project in Van Buren Township

Project Overview and Economic Impact

Stellantis, in partnership with Sterling Group and Hillwood Development, is proposing a $388 million auto parts distribution hub in Van Buren Township, Michigan. The project involves constructing a warehouse exceeding 2 million square feet, expected to create 488 jobs and open by 2027. The site covers approximately 350 acres near Ecorse Road, across from Willow Run airport.

Environmental Concerns and Wetlands Impact

The project requires a state permit to clear roughly 9 acres of wetlands within the Lower River Rouge watershed and fill part of the floodplain with over 5,000 cubic yards of soil. Wetlands serve as natural sponges that hold water and prevent flooding, a critical ecosystem service emphasized by conservationists.

• Approximately 3% of the site’s wetlands would be disturbed.
• 50% of the wetlands on-site are planned to remain as green space.
• Wetland destruction may increase flooding risks by reducing natural rainwater sequestration areas.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Regulatory Process

1. Developers: Stellantis and its partners commit to adhering to all applicable regulations and performing required wetland mitigation according to Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) guidelines.
2. Conservationists: Environmental advocates express concern over wetland loss in Wayne County, which has lost approximately 90-98% of its historic wetlands, exacerbating flooding issues intensified by climate change.
3. Regulators: EGLE is currently accepting public comments on the wetland permit application and will review all input before making a final decision.

Wetland Mitigation and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

To offset wetland loss, the developers proposed purchasing wetland mitigation credits within the River Rouge watershed. However, these credits may not be applied directly to the Lower River Rouge area, potentially limiting their effectiveness in mitigating local flooding impacts.

• SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation): Protecting wetlands supports water purification and flood management.
• SDG 13 (Climate Action): Maintaining wetlands helps mitigate climate change impacts by managing stormwater and reducing flood risks.
• SDG 15 (Life on Land): Preserving wetlands safeguards biodiversity and habitats for endangered species such as the northern long-eared bat and Indiana bat.

Ecological and Biodiversity Considerations

Concerns were raised about the presence of rare or imperiled wetlands and endangered species on the site. The Wayne County Conservation District recommended thorough ecological assessments, potentially involving the Michigan Natural Features Inventory, to identify and protect sensitive habitats and species.

Community and Flood Risk Implications

Recent heavy rains have caused flooding along the Lower River Rouge, affecting communities such as Inkster and Dearborn. Flood risk mapping indicates medium to high flood risk in areas adjacent to the project site. Conservationists argue that mitigation efforts outside the local watershed will not alleviate flooding locally, emphasizing the need to preserve existing wetlands.

Conclusion: Balancing Development and Environmental Sustainability

• The Stellantis project presents significant economic benefits through job creation and investment.
• However, the potential loss of wetlands raises critical environmental concerns aligned with SDGs focused on sustainable cities, climate resilience, and biodiversity conservation.
• Stakeholders urge consideration of alternative development sites that do not require wetland destruction.
• Ongoing public consultation and rigorous environmental review are essential to ensure that development aligns with sustainable development principles and protects community and ecological health.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Protection and restoration of wetlands to improve water quality and manage flooding.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Reducing flood risks in urban areas through wetland conservation.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Addressing climate-driven storms and flooding exacerbated by wetland loss.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Conservation of wetlands, protection of endangered species, and preservation of ecosystems.
5. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Creation of jobs through the Stellantis auto parts distribution hub.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.6: Protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including wetlands.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.5: Reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected by disasters, including floods.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
   • Target 15.5: Take urgent action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats and halt the loss of biodiversity.
5. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Wetland Area and Condition
   • Number of acres of wetlands cleared or preserved (e.g., 9 acres cleared, 50% wetlands preserved as green space).
   • Percentage of historic wetlands lost in Wayne County (e.g., 90% to 98% lost).
2. Flood Risk and Incidence
   • Flood risk mapping data indicating medium to high flood risk areas (e.g., Ecorse and Denton roads).
   • Frequency and severity of flooding events along the Lower River Rouge.
3. Employment Numbers
   • Number of jobs created by the development project (e.g., 488 jobs).
4. Wetland Mitigation Credits
   • Number and location of wetland mitigation credits purchased and used.
5. Biodiversity and Species Protection
   • Identification and monitoring of endangered species presence on the site (e.g., northern Long-eared Bat and Indiana bat).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: planetdetroit.org