Pollution concerns linger years after Philadelphia refinery closes

The closure of Philadelphia's Energy Solutions refinery in 2019 did not end pollution issues for nearby communities, as industrial facilities and redevelopment projects continue to raise environmental concerns.

Jon Hurdle reports for Inside Climate News.

In short:

South and Southwest Philadelphia remain impacted by industrial pollution, including a proposed natural gas storage plant and benzene contamination at nearby facilities.
The refinery site is being redeveloped into a logistics center, potentially increasing vehicular emissions despite cleanup efforts and plans for solar energy and electric vehicles.
Advocates call for thorough removal of contaminants, warning against capping methods that could worsen groundwater pollution.

Key quote:

“The ground is so toxic they can’t grow anything, and it’s not been cleaned. I’m talking about removing all the toxic waste, and shipping it out in a safe and humane manner. That’s at least a 10-year job.”

— Mark Clincy, Philly Thrive board member

Why this matters:

Decades of industrial pollution in South Philadelphia have left a legacy of environmental injustice, with disproportionate health impacts on poor, predominantly Black communities. As redevelopment plans move forward, community advocates are keen to ensure that new projects do not perpetuate harm.

insideclimatenews.org

Pollution concerns linger years after Philadelphia refinery closes

Climate change is costing people sleep

Opinion: We’re talking about extreme heat all wrong

Running dry: How to store more groundwater for dry seasons

Leonard Leo's anti-climate network makes a European debut

US trial could reveal who paid hackers to target Exxon climate critics

Nebraska wants data centers to come clean about water usage

Governments knew the risks of global warming as they chose fossil-fueled growth in the 1950s and ’60s

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.