New University of Pennsylvania Report Raises Concerns Over Philadelphia Energy Solutions Refinery Site

 

[PHILADELPHIA, PA – September 20, 2018] Today, the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy released “Beyond Bankruptcy: The Outlook for Philadelphia’s Neighborhood Refinery,” a report that raises concerns about contamination at the Philadelphia Energy Solutions (PES) refinery site and highlights the utter lack of public participation in the remediation planning process.

According to the report, Sunoco did not follow the required public participation process for remediation planning, as local residents, city agencies, elected officials, and other stakeholders were not able to provide input. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has already approved Sunoco’s analysis of contamination for eight of the eleven refinery sites deemed an “area of concern,” meaning Sunoco may comply with weaker pollution standards.

Joseph Otis Minott, Esq., Executive Director and Chief Counsel of Clean Air Council, issued the following statement:

“Sunoco has unlawfully denied local residents, city agencies, elected officials, and other stakeholders the opportunity to meaningfully provide input during the remediation planning process for the PES refinery site. The lack of public participation in planning for remediation at the site is completely unacceptable, especially given the extensive environmental contamination at the site and the proximity of the refinery to environmental justice neighborhoods. As PES is likely to go bankrupt again in the near future, it is critical that the city engage the public in thoroughly assessing the best possible future use of the refinery site that aligns with Philadelphia’s sustainability goals.”

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Clean Air Council is a member- supported, non-profit environmental organization dedicated to protecting everyone’s right to a healthy environment. The Council is headquartered in Philadelphia and works through public education, community advocacy, and government oversight to ensure enforcement of environmental laws. For more information, please visit www.cleanair.org.

PHOTO: Kleinman Center for Energy Policy