DETROIT – Michigan environmental regulators are poised to allow the Marathon refinery in southwest Detroit to increase emissions of at least eight air pollutants.
The state Department of Environmental Quality says it proposes to approve revised permits for refinery modernization and expansion that would increase emissions of oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, small particulate pollution and sulfuric acid mist.
The agency's analysis of Marathon's permit requests notes that the emissions increases all fall within allowable state and federal regulations.
The proposal would increase emissions of sulfur dioxide in an area that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has designated as being out of compliance with federal air pollution standards.
The DEQ plans an informational session and public hearing Wednesday night in nearby River Rouge.
The prospect of increasing the area's pollution horrifies Emma Lockridge, who lives nearby.
"We do need lower sulfur in the fuels in our cars but you can't sacrifice a complete community, an entire community to get those numbers," she said.
Residents already are complaining about the current emission levels ruining their quality of life.
"Little children, grandmas, people trying to get on with their lives. You cannot give away the houses and I'm gonna have to leave this house and no one wants it in my family, and that's pretty sad," said Lockridge.
Marathon released a statement Tuesday:
"As a result of this project, we expect that the refinery's emission levels will continue to be well below those allowed under its existing permit.