Residents rally outside Coke plant

TONAWANDA, N.Y. (WIVB) - Protesters made their voices heard in the Town of Tonawanda Wednesday night.

Residents from Tonawanda, Kenmore, Grand Island and Buffalo rallied with the Clean Air Coalition, outside the Tonawanda Coke plant on River Road.

They claim the company has not done anything to reduce harmful benzene emissions.

A recent state DEC study found benzene levels in the area are 75 times greater than EPA standards, with 70 percent of the region's benzene coming from the plant.

Jeanni thompson lives nearby and says she's been suffering for decades.

"Oh my god, 30 years. They've finally been able to pinpoint it to Tonawanda Coke," said Town of Tonawanda resident Jeanni Thompson.

Tonawanda Coke officials could not be reached for comment.