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SOUTHEAST TEXAS RECORD

Thursday, November 21, 2024

Marathon Petroleum worker's refusal to act as co-conspirator in implementing illegal policy led to termination, suit claims

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GALVESTON – Marathon Petroleum Company, LP and Blanchard Petroleum are accused of firing a worker who refused to obey a policy they implemented that was reportedly illegal.

John Woodcock filed a lawsuit against Marathon and Blanchard on July 6 in the Galveston Division of the Southern District of Texas.

Woodcock explains that defendants required him “to work around pumps an equipment, which continuously leaked dangerous levels of toxic gasses, including H2S.”

The plaintiff “repeatedly complained and reported the defective pumps and equipment,” but the respondents instead “implemented an unfeasible personal protective equipment policy, which knowingly violated he Clean Air Act and other Environmental, Health and Safety civil and criminal laws,” the original petition says.

Court papers add that Woodcock was required “to act as an active co-conspirator in the knowing release of dangerous gasses in violation of the Clean Air Act and Environmental, Health and Safety State and Federal laws.”

“These knowing violation carry criminal and civil penalties,” the suit says. “The plaintiff refused to cooperate and complained about these knowing violations and was wrongfully terminated.”

Consequently, Woodcock seeks unspecified monetary damages.

Wayne D. Collins of the Barton Law Firm in Houston is representing the plaintiff.

Galveston Division of the Southern District of Texas Case No. 3:18-CV-0192

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