DETROIT (WXYZ) — Neighbors across the street from a Marathon Petroleum refinery in Detroit are demanding relief from what they say are ongoing toxic chemical releases.
On Sunday morning, a strong gas odor was reported in communities across metro Detroit. The odor was caused by a flare at the refinery that is not properly functioning.
"Flares are safety devices that allow us to safely combust excess materials at the refinery, and we are working on de-activating the flare as safely and quickly as possible," said Jamal Kheiry, a spokesman for the company, in an email statement Sunday.
Residents downwind of the refinery say that metro Detroiters got a "tiny dose" of what they endure.
"The horrific, stomach churning odors Metro Detroiters experienced over the weekend are a regular occurrence in our homes and community," they said.
The neighbors are calling on Marathon, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer to resolve the problem.
Marathan released the following statement in response:
Marathon Petroleum has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in its Detroit refinery to continually reduce its emissions and improve its environmental performance. Over the last 20 years, the refinery has reduced its emissions by more than 75 percent, despite a significant expansion project completed in 2012. In fact, in this heavily industrialized section of Southwest Detroit, Marathon Petroleum’s facility comprises only 3 percent of the emissions, according to state-reported data. In other words, 97 percent of the emissions in a two-mile radius come from other industry, such as steel production, power generation, automobile manufacturing, and others. Marathon Petroleum has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in its Detroit refinery to continually reduce its emissions and improve its environmental performance. Over the last 20 years, the refinery has reduced its emissions by more than 75 percent, despite a significant expansion project completed in 2012. In fact, in this heavily industrialized section of Southwest Detroit, Marathon Petroleum’s facility comprises only 3 percent of the emissions, according to state-reported data. In other words, 97 percent of the emissions in a two-mile radius come from other industry, such as steel production, power generation, automobile manufacturing, and others.
