Lawsuit claims fumes, noise from Detroit refinery cause nuisance

DETROIT (AP) - A federal lawsuit says fumes and noise from Marathon's refinery in southwest Detroit cause a perpetual nuisance that's harming people's lives.

The Detroit Free Press reports the lawsuit filed Monday seeks more than $5 million as well as a court order that Marathon stop releasing contaminants into residential neighborhoods within several blocks of the refinery.

The lawsuit on behalf of area residents calls on Marathon to abate noise and odors as well as deal with any contamination in neighborhoods.

Marathon officials say the refinery accounts for a small percentage of the area's pollutants. Spokesman Jamal Kheiry says the company doesn't comment on pending litigation.

The lawsuit comes as Marathon seeks a new air pollution permit that would allow it to increase emissions of at least eight air pollutants.

Published: Wed, Feb 24, 2016