The refinery has been there longer then those homes. The consumer should have used common sense when looking for a home. There are many factors that you should be aware of when you are going for the best deal. My first reaction would have been why was it so cheap & what is around that could be a potential hazard. I feel that the consumer didn't do their homework & check out all of the issues. I would never have bought or looked at a home in that area where the refinery was located. You where stupid to consider a home in that area. People use your brain for something other then a hat rack!!!!!

The city council decided to issue building permits that were too close to the refinery. The developer disregarded the first engineering study that indicated that homes would not be safe if they were built that close to the refinery. Both the city and the developer are at fault.

there's fault on both sides--the refinery probably cuts cost in any way they can to save money and make more profit. the city should have done a better job of zoning, but of course they want to collect as much property and other taxes as possible so why wouldn't they allow more homes to be built even if they're in an unsafe area. in short; this is what happens when you live in the fraud capital of the country i.e. (read) utah rofl

I agree. We live a couple miles from an old explosives plant, that thank goodness was shut down. We were also careful to make sure we weren't downwind from mink farms so as to avoid the smell. This is just common sense. I would NEVER put my home or family somewhere that close to something that has the potential to cause possible death and destruction. The city is wrong, but consumers probably got such a good deal they couldn't resist! Yep, that's why they have homeowners insurance....though I'm surprised companies would even insure homes there.

The city should have never aloud homes to be built so close, the people who bought the homes shouldn't have been stupid enough to buy homes in such close proximity to a refinery. My vote would be that the peoples home insurance should cover the damage.