OvaInnovations of Madison, WI, purchased the Dairy Farmers of America milk-processing plant in Adrian in December 2021.  The plant was converted to an egg-drying facility for pet food and is operated as Crimson Holdings, LLC.

The Adrian Daily Telegram reported that the Michigan Department of the Environment, Great Lakes Energy and Air Quality Division has issued citations to the company as a result of odor complaints from residents.  The Lenawee County Health Department and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are also investigating the operation of the plant following complaints.  At issue is the release of hydrogen sulfide (‘rotten-egg’ gas) produced during heating of egg liquid during the drying process. 

Citations include:-

• Changing an exhaust stack without a permit, apparently implemented before the purchase by OvaInnovations
• Detection of odors 0.4 miles from the plant
• Changing the process within the plant without submitting appropriate requests

Crimson Holdings, LLC in responding to the citation, noted their intent to alter the stack by increasing height and to modify the production process.  The company has purchased a fogging system that is under evaluation to suppress odor.  In responding to the State agency, the company agreed to “continue testing these products for the next month, varying application rates and products until the best option is found.”  The company has set up an online complaint website and is attempting to resolve the odor and reputational problems that have arisen since conversion of the milk-drying plant to process eggs.