U.S. Representatives Peters & Conyers Press Michigan Department of Environmental Quality about Petroleum Coke Pile Storage on Detroit River

U.S. Representative Gary Peters today reiterated his concern over the status of petroleum coke piles along the Detroit River. Peters along with Congressman John Conyers Jr. issued a new letter today, pressing the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) about whether Detroit Bulk Storage is complying with MDEQ recommendations regarding pet coke storage and discharge prevention.  In March,Peters and Conyers wrote to MDEQ about the associated risk of air and water quality from the petroleum coke piles and asked to be kept informed of their progress.

However, Koch Carbon, which owns the pet coke piles, refused to comment in a recent New York Times story, “A Black Mound of Canadian Oil Waste Is Rising Over Detroit,” about storage or any confinement efforts. 

In their letter released today, Peters and Conyers inquire about any efforts Detroit Bulk Storage has been undertaking to protect the Detroit River and prevent air and water contamination from the pet coke piles.

Peters and Conyers write: “We are concerned about appropriate actions taking place to protect against storm water contamination and run-off and fugitive dust. Your initial findings raise a series of questions about the threat the petroleum coke piles pose to water and air quality and recommend best practices to minimize health risks. Therefore, we urge the greatest transparency about efforts underway to meet these recommendations.

They continue, “The residents of our communities deserve to know they are safe from any potential environmental or public health threats posed by this waste byproduct.”

Peters is an outstanding advocate for protecting Michigan natural resources, especially the Detroit River and Great Lakes. He fought to protect federal investments in the Great Lakes Restoration Fund that supports critical infrastructure projects in the Clinton River Watershed.

###