Philly refinery explosion settlement sends a message to the industry
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has reached a $4.2 million settlement with Philadelphia Energy Solutions over a 2019 refinery explosion, marking the largest Clean Air Act settlement of its kind.
Frank Kummer reports for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
In short:
- The 2019 explosion at Philadelphia Energy Solutions (PES) refinery led to a record $4.2 million settlement with the EPA, emphasizing the agency’s focus on preventing hazardous conditions in densely populated areas.
- PES failed to assess corrosion in a key pipe, leading to the explosion, but has not admitted liability. The funds from the settlement will go to the U.S. Treasury.
- The site’s cleanup continues under EPA and state oversight, while nearby residents still express concerns over lingering pollution, particularly benzene.
Key quote:
“The point is to make sure that you operate your facility in a manner that reduces risk to the population.”
— Tom Cinti, EPA Environmental Justice Division
Why this matters:
Residents were already grappling with toxic air long before the catastrophic explosion and years later, they’re still breathing in pollutants. The EPA’s settlement might sound like a win, but without concrete action to clean up the area, it's been largely ineffective. Read more: Cancer-causing benzene levels were cut in half at US refineries in 2023.
