The Beginning
Detroit has many factories, many of which at one point where very successful. They had the Ford, and lots of other factories, though they where successful they would later contribute to the downfall of the air quality and the pollution most of Detroit faces today.
Detroit's Wastewater Treatment Plant.
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Detroit's sewer system began in 1836 with the "The Grand Sewer" - a stone and brick construction which enclosed Savoyard Creek - a portion of which remains in service to this day. Over the next hundred years, the burgeoning population and, in particular, the rapid development of Detroit's east side resulting from the enormous growth of motor car manufacturing placed ever increasing demands on the existing infrastructure. To relieve the situation, a series of new sewers were constructed, along with Detroit's WWTP, which was completed in 1939 at a cost of $10 million.
The plant was originally designed to provide primary treatment, which then comprised the removal and incineration of settled solids and the chlorination of the effluent, which was discharged into the Detroit River. Though the primary treatment capabilities were enhanced in 1954 by the addition of two further sedimentation tanks, it was becoming clear that additional measures were necessary to safeguard river quality.
The plant was originally designed to provide primary treatment, which then comprised the removal and incineration of settled solids and the chlorination of the effluent, which was discharged into the Detroit River. Though the primary treatment capabilities were enhanced in 1954 by the addition of two further sedimentation tanks, it was becoming clear that additional measures were necessary to safeguard river quality.
Detroit Refinery.
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Built in 1930, by the Aurora Gasoline Company and purchased in 1959 by MPC (then Ohio Oil Co.) from the late philanthropist Max Fisher. It is the only petroleum refinery in the state of Michigan today. In 2012, the company completed the Detroit Heavy Oil Upgrade Project (DHOUP) that enabled the refinery to process up to an additional 80,000 barrels per day of heavy sour crude oils, including Canadian crude oils. Through a property purchase program, MPC purchased many of the residential properties in a neighborhood adjacent to the refinery and maintains the area as a green space available for public use. Approximately 530 people are employeed at the refinery.