DETROIT – For months people have been complaining about the piles of what is known as petroleum coke along the Detroit River.
It's more than just an eyesore and the dust from the piles is now blowing into people's homes.
Petroleum coke is a by-product produced by the Marathon oil refinery. It is piled up and stored in a huge mound along the Detroit River.
Tests conducted on the petroleum coke show it is not only collecting at homes, but also on the streets nearby.
The people who live around Fort Street and 14th Street hope something can be done about it. The most recent test was done by the Free Press and found petroleum material at the 14th Street Loft Apartments.
"You can see the smoke coming right towards the window, " said one resident.
Another resident who has lived here for a year said her respiratory problems are worsening.
"When the wind is blowing, you know the black dust or dirt or soot that's hitting the windows," she said.
In recent days, Michigan Representative Rashida Tlaib says she got back results from sidewalk samples and they are positive for petroleum coke.
"Those without central air are opening their windows. I'm worried about local businesses with outdoor seating areas," said Tlaib.
Petroleum coke contains a substance called vanadium.
Local 4 asked the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality if vanadium is dangerous.
"The EPA published a study two years ago, in June of 2011, regarding petroleum coke and they found to be relatively non-toxic," said a representative from the EPA.
State officials say any dust by nature can pose a health problem and they are doing their own test and will be monitoring the air for any fugitive dust.
Petroleum coke is subject to state regulations at the Marathon refinery, but that's not the case with the piles of coke along the river.
"The storage piles that are unique and stand alone, we have very little regulation that would apply to them up front," said an EPA representative.
He says Detroit Bulk Storage is responsible for the piles and they have agreed to apply for a permit; it's a one to three month process that could bring positive change.
"I want the complete covering of it because it's obvious to me they can't control their piles, it's flying everywhere. Tarp over it," said Tlaib.