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Marathon Oil Refinery leak sparks protests

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Another release of chemicals from the Marathon Oil Refinery in Southwest Detroit has residents and activists protesting.

On Thursday – an oil vapor leak led to the evacuation of workers and freeway ramp closures.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy – or EGLE  is investigating.

University of Detroit-Mercy Environmental Law Professor Nick Schroeck spoke at a rally near the refinery. He says something needs to be done.

“You know you can call it an accident, you can call it a malfunction, but it’s a violation of the permit. It’s a violation of the air quality standards here in the state of Michigan. We’re demanding action from EGLE to step up, assess the appropriate fines, more importantly come up with a plan so this doesn’t happen again.”

This latest issues comes on the heels of another oil vapor release that led to a bad smell around the refinery and left several nearby resident sickened.