EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — Families living near the Marathon Refinery in South-Central El Paso are now being represented by a local law firm, which is seeking answers after two emission events earlier this month left nearby residents reporting overwhelming odors and health symptoms.

The incident happened on Aug. 4 and 5, when contaminants from the refinery were released into the air over the course of two days, and a strong sulfuric odor reached distances of miles away. As KFOX14/CBS4 previously reported, residents close to the refinery said the smell was overwhelming and caused nausea, headaches, and throat pain.

Following the incident, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality released incident reports detailing the emissions that included propylene, sulfur dioxide, and 1,3-butadiene.

According to the initial TCEQ reports, the refinery released a total of 862 pounds of sulfur dioxide over 24 hours, from Tuesday, Aug. 4 at 7:47 p.m. to Wednesday, Aug. 5 at 7:47 p.m. The report said the incident began after a “Fluid Catalytic Cracker (FCC) experienced a process upset and shut down.”

The report listed the sulfur dioxide emission limit as 0.01 pounds per hour, or 0.24 pounds over 24 hours, making the release 3,591 times over the limit.

A second report said the refinery released 19 pounds of 1,3-butadiene and 8,897.9 pounds of propylene– or 4.4 tons– in 2 hours and 13 minutes. Both contaminants have an emission limit of 1.25 pounds per hour, the report said.

RELATED: Environmental report: refinery releases tons of toxic gases into El Paso after incident

Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C. said it is now representing several families who were affected by the incident and is investigating whether others in the surrounding community were also impacted.

“Our clients reported a strong gas or petroleum-like odor in the surrounding neighborhoods, described being lightheaded or sick, and some left their homes because of the odor. We’re hearing from families who were there that night and were affected by what happened,” said Daisy Chaparro, partner at Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro. “Now that the TCEQ reports are available, people have legitimate questions about what was released into their neighborhood and what it means for the families who were exposed.”

This is the first time families are seeking legal action following the incident, with the law firm now asking anyone who believes they were affected by the incident to contact them, including those who experienced symptoms, sought medical treatment, or left their homes because of the odor.

“We want people who were affected to know that they don’t have to figure this out on their own,” said Chaparro. “If you were in the area and something happened to you or your family that night, we want to hear from you.”

Residents who believe they were affected can contact Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro at 915-308-1000.

Meanwhile, this comes as the incident has continued to raise concern for city leaders, who are demanding transparency and accountability from the company, as the incident still leaves unanswered questions.

The El Paso City Council is set to take up a proposal on Tuesday aimed at getting more answers about recent emissions at the refinery, including what was released and what it could mean for public health.

City Rep. Josh Acevedo, who represents Central and Northeast El Paso, is asking the council to call on state and federal environmental regulators to meet with the public about the emissions.

Acevedo said he wants to change how information reaches residents when future emissions events happen.

This also comes as a final TCEQ report on the incident was released on Tuesday, giving an updated look into what was released and for how long.

RECOMMENDED: El Paso council weighs call for TCEQ, EPA public meeting after Marathon emissions

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