Windsor residents have repeatedly opposed outdoor storage of petroleum coke
The city of Detroit has rejected a request to allow the outdoor storage of petroleum coke near the Detroit River.
Marathon Petroleum has petitioned the city in August to allow outdoor storage and released a list of ways they can prevent dust which included storing the product in areas protected by 30-foot walls, using a sprinkler system to keep the pet coke damp and regularly sweeping roads nearby.
On Monday, the Detroit Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department denied the company request in a three page report.
City officials said the company failed to provide evidence that there would be no dust of the pet coke blowing through the area or if it would have a negative impact in other ways.
Pet Coke is a byproduct of crude oil refining and used at some manufacturing facilities as fuel for utility boilers and other items including cement kilns.
The city of Windsor also spoke out against the plan. A video from Windsor in 2013 showed clouds black pet coke dust blowing over the riverfront.