Marathon Petroleum is responding to a release at its Detroit refinery that is causing an odor in nearby communities. Air-monitoring resources are deployed in affected areas and have not detected dangerous levels of any substances. We have informed relevant agencies, including the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, the Detroit Fire Department, Michigan State Police, and the Dearborn Fire Department. We will keep these agencies and emergency responders informed as we respond to the release.
Refinery Alerts
Responders have stopped release at refinery
Marathon Petroleum responders have stopped the release at the Detroit refinery. There have been no injuries or off-site impact. We deployed air monitoring resources in nearby neighborhoods as a precaution and did not detect any harmful substances.
Emergency personnel responding at refinery
There are no injuries and no indication of off-site impact, as Marathon Petroleum emergency personnel respond to a release at the Detroit refinery. Air monitoring resources are being deployed in nearby areas as a precaution.
Flaring at refinery – operations safe
Operating conditions at the Detroit refinery currently are safe, but flaring is required. Residents nearby may see larger flares than normal. Flares are safety devices, and they are functioning properly. There is no off-site impact.
Alarm sounded at refinery – all-clear
The refinery alarm was sounded at approximately 3:30 a.m. because operating conditions required a response within the refinery. There was no off-site impact and no injuries, and the all-clear was sounded at approximately 4:10 a.m.
Refinery restarting operations on Oct. 18
On Oct. 18, 2018, the Detroit Refinery will begin the process of restarting its operations as we complete maintenance work. This startup process will take approximately one week, and you may notice occasional flaring or noise during this time. Should you have any concerns, please contact the refinery’s community hotline number, 313-297-MARA (6272).