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Jul 15, 2023

More air monitors set, crews put out spot fires at Marathon

Officials say federal and state agencies are setting up air monitoring after Friday's massive fire at the Marathon oil refinery in Garyville. "Air monitoring continues and no off-site impacts have

Officials say federal and state agencies are setting up air monitoring after Friday's massive fire at the Marathon oil refinery in Garyville.

"Air monitoring continues and no off-site impacts have been detected," St.John the Baptist Parish Spokeswoman Baileigh Rebowe said in an email. "In addition to Marathon’s air monitoring efforts, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, and a third-party contractor are conducting independent air monitoring in the community."

Meanwhile, she says, flames continue to flare up around the tank that had leaked partially refined oil that burned in the blaze.

Overall, Rebowe says, "Today is a much better situation at the refinery."

She explained that much of the fire has been extinguished.

"Firefighters continue to address small spot fires."

Crews are working on a plan to return the refinery to normal operations, when appropriate.

"The refinery continues to operate at reduced rates. An investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the incident."

Marathon set up a community assistance hotline at (866) 601-5880.