Marathon Refinery one step closer to air quality application approval

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The Maraton Refinery in Central El Paso is one step closer to getting their air quality permit application approved.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality said the permit application meets all state and federal laws and can't be denied because it meets all requirements.

The refinery and commission held a public meeting on January 8th where over 40 people came out and spoke against the new permit. The main concerns were about health and environmental impacts of the new proposed emissions.

The commission said that they don't anticipate any adverse health affects, and the proposed emissions shouldn't impact the environment either. The full report can be found on the TCEQ website.

ABC-7 spoke to a man who has lived next to the refinery his whole life. Eddie Quinonez said he's never had a truly bad experience next to the refinery for 45 years.

"I've had a little bit of good and bad, but mainly good."

He said that it can be a bit annoying when it flares up, like it did last July. But overall, he has no major complaints.

"When it gets hot in the summer sometimes it does get a little stinky," he said. "But other than that, I mean, I've got no problems whatsoever."

The application now goes to the Commissioners to discuss during public meetings. It's not currently on the agenda for the meetings on April 1st or April 15th.