CLEVELAND -- Protestors are hoping to influence Cleveland city leaders two days before they look at closing down a chemical treatment plant.

The General Environment Management facility has been closed by order of the Cleveland Fire Department since an explosion took place there on April 20.

A judge will hear arguments on Thursday as to whether it should re-open or remain closed. Members of Ohio Citizens Action said city leaders must step up and keep the plant shut down.

"We're calling on the mayor to keep it shut down, and we're calling on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to take over the administration of the closure and clean up of this plant," said protestor Sandy Buchanan.

Nearby residents say the fumes from area factories, including G.E.M., are hazardous to their health.