Storage Piles Of Coal-Based Byproduct Prompt Concerns

DETROIT (AP) - The storage of a coal-based byproduct along the Detroit River that city officials say was initially there without permission is prompting concerns.

The Detroit Free Press reports piles of coke breeze were placed at the site of the former Revere Copper facility by Waterfront Petroleum Terminal Co.

The newspaper says the powder is derived from metallurgical coal that's been baked into a charcoal-like substance that can be burned in blast furnaces during iron processing; it's also a used as an aggregate material in concrete and isn't a known carcinogen.

Beth Gotthelf, an attorney for Waterfront Petroleum Terminal, said there was "a difference of opinion on whether ... a permit is required."

In 2013, massive piles petroleum coke along the Detroit River prompted complaints from residents. Those piles were removed.