A real-time look at air-quality data around Marathon Petroleum Corp.’s (MPC) Detroit refinery is now available for the public to view at their convenience.
The Detroit refinery Perimeter Air Monitoring System (PAMS) provides a 24/7/365 look at the air-quality from four monitoring stations placed in and around the refinery.
Click here to view the Detroit refinery PAMS
The PAMS public access initiative is part of the recently approved Supplemental Environmental Project, which in part resulted from the February 2019 polar vortex incident. Instead of simply paying a fine to the state, MPC decided to take advantage of a Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) program that supports community-driven environmental programs by diverting fines to directly support initiatives with significant local community impact. With this system, the refinery is the only privately owned company in Southwest Detroit to provide real-time, public-facing, air-monitoring system.
“This PAMS project demonstrates Marathon’s commitment to managing emissions to regulated levels with complete transparency,” says refinery General Manager Dave Leaver. “We appreciate all of the input and support for this initiative from several significant partners, including Detroit refinery’s Community Advisory Panel, the Sierra Club, Detroit City Council and the Detroit Public Schools Community District and countless residents from the adjacent neighborhood.”
The PAMS website is accessible through internet-enabled computers, laptops, tablets and smart phones. It offers an easy-to-read color classification to provide a quick glance of the air quality, emission levels of four compounds, wind direction, wind speed and temperature.
“While this project was undertaken in connection with the settlement of an enforcement action taken by EGLE for violations of air quality law, it reflects of the culture of collaboration that we seek with the Southwest Detroit community,” adds Leaver.