Media Statement: MDEQ response continues at Marathon in Southwest Detroit

For Immediate Release:
February 3, 2019

Contact:
Chelsea Lewis, MDEQ Public Information Officer, lewisc21@michigan.gov, 517-284-6717
MDEQ Media Office, deq-assist@michigan.gov, 517-284-9278

MDEQ response continues at Marathon in Southwest Detroit

Statement:

"On February 2, 2019, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) was made aware of strong odors originating in Southwest Detroit, Michigan.

In response to the complaints, DEQ field staff were dispatched to investigate the source of the odors. DEQ traced the odors to the coke-flare system at the Marathon Petroleum refinery in Detroit.

Marathon has informed DEQ that they are taking steps to mitigate the odor caused by hydrogen sulfide and mercaptan compounds being combusted by the flare. Both of these compounds have extremely low odor thresholds meaning they are detected when very small amounts are present. Marathon is currently exploring short-term options to neutralize these odor-causing compounds present in the gas being flared. Marathon is also working to safely take the flare system out-of-service which is a multi-day process. 

Apart from the odor, Marathon’s air quality sampling has not detected exceedances of health thresholds.
 
DEQ is coordinating with US EPA and the City of Detroit on air monitoring and other aspects of the response to this incident.

Additional information will be provided once available.

Both of these compounds have a strong rotten-egg smell that can be noticed at extremely low levels.

EPA conducted ambient monitoring in the downwind neighborhood, including Oakwood Heights, and did not detect elevated levels of concern."

Mary Ann Dolehanty, Division Director of Air Quality Division

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