Large flares, gas emissions at El Paso refinery alarm neighbors

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Last week, multiple incidents at the Marathon refinery in South-Central El Paso made some residents question the future of their neighborhood.

Two environmental quality reports said the refinery released harmful gasses Aug. 4-5. Some residents said gases irritated their eyes and left a strong smell in the area.

Residents expressed confusion about the smell on social media. One woman told ABC-7 the incident is making her think about selling her house.

"I'm thinking of moving out," said Silvia Zepeda. "That's what I'm thinking now, because I don't want to bring my my grandkids and expose them to something that can happen during the night."

Thousands of pounds of chemicals emitted into the air, including sulfur dioxide and propylene, according to the reports.

The refinery said that no health risks were found, but residents were still worried.

"I got a headache. I really started having, like, nausea," said Joe Tavarez. "I wanted to throw up."

On Friday, the refinery caught residents' attention as large flares of fire and smoke appeared.

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Zepeda and Tavarez were right next to the fire, and aren't happy with how often it happens.

"Those flames go out to heaven," said Tavarez. "They're so bad. It is scary to see so much fire coming out of those things."

"It's time to change. It's time to move. It's time for the people to start creating a wave," said Zepeda.

Watch the full story tonight on ABC-7 at 10.