Decorative Panels International Faces $5 Million Class Action Lawsuit Over Alpena Odor
A class action lawsuit has been filed against Decorative Panels International over the pungent smell on the north side of Alpena.
Liddle Sheets Coulson P.C. in Detroit is representing Alpena area residents who have been affected by the smell which has been compared to a rotting cooked cabbage odor.
They’re seeking $5 million dollars in damages claiming the residents are unable to use and enjoy their property and it’s decreasing the value of their homes. “The lawsuit is an effort to control emission of offsite noxious odors and improve the quality of life around that facility,” said Steven Liddle, lead attorney representing the residents. “There’s been quite a few complaints of odors that are so significant that they interfere with the use and enjoyment of their property and it also creates concerns regarding depreciation and resale value of their property.”
The Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy notified DPI on August 9 that their facility was in violation of state regulations because of a smell coming off of a lagoon on the property. While DPI did not definitively say the odor was coming from them, they did say they are taking steps to make sure smells coming from the facility do not interfere with the lives of Alpena residents.
