EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – Families living near the Marathon refinery in South-Central El Paso are seeking answers following the thousands of pounds of pollutants that were pumped into the air on August 4, according to reports filed with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
TCEQ reports state that a process upset and shutdown at the refinery resulted in the release of 8,897.9 pounds of propylene, 862 pounds of sulfur dioxide and 19.1 pounds of 1,3-butadiene. The reported emissions exceeded the refinery’s permitted emission limits.
Thousand of pounds of pollutants emitted in El Paso
Several families affected by the incident are being represented by Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., which is investigating whether additional residents in surrounding neighborhoods may have been impacted.
According to the law firm, clients described a strong gas or petroleum-like odor in the area on the night of the incident. Some residents reported feeling lightheaded or sick, while others said they left their homes because of the odor…