How Dingell, Tlaib Responded To Marathon's Petroleum Flare

DEARBORN, MI -- This week Congresswomen Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) pressed Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on public health and safety after a recent emergency response identified a strong rotten odor originating from the Marathon Petroleum refinery’s coke-flare system in Detroit.

In recent weeks, serious concerns have been raised about the odor affecting air quality safety and health effects, including residents reporting feeling nauseous and experiencing headaches after smelling the odor. After the public, local officials, and press headlines raised questions, the representatives asked for clarity regarding the incident and answers to questions to help reassure residents conditions are safe now and in the future. The representatives want to ensure that the health of residents and environment are at the forefront of any discussion of holding Marathon accountable.

“It is our understanding, the Dearborn Fire Department responded and investigated three locations for a strong odor or possible gas leak. While none of the locations were found to have hazardous levels of chemicals in the air by the Department, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) ‘traced the odors to the coke-flare system at the Marathon Petroleum refinery,’ in a press release. The incident has raised serious concerns across both our communities. Concerned citizens, families, and local officials are asking questions and seeking reassurances that everything is safe,” wrote Dingell and Tlaib.

“It is critical the public has a full understanding of what happened and the exact steps each of your agencies will be taking to keep the public safe and informed moving forward,” continued the representatives. “The residents of Southwest Detroit, Dearborn, and Downriver hold us all responsible for protecting these Michigan communities.”

You can read the full letter here.