The Environmental Protection Agency issued an administrative order Friday on consent to Port Hamilton Refining and Transportation LLLP, under which PHRT agrees to safely remove materials and strictly adhere to environmental regulations. This order, which follows a detailed inspection process, is part of the EPA’s ongoing commitment to protect the environment and public health on St. Croix, the agency announced.
“EPA is upholding environmental laws and protecting people’s health in St. Croix,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “This order on consent is a continuation of EPA’s work over the past several years to address risks at this facility that may pose a threat to people and the environment. We will work closely with PHRT and monitor progress to ensure the directives are completed.”
This administrative order on consent results from a September 2023 inspection that found potential risks associated with handling materials not previously removed from the facility, including liquified petroleum gas, or LPG, in LPG Units #1 and #2. This order outlines specific requirements for PHRT to mitigate these risks and addresses materials identified since PHRT removed other materials during the summer of 2023 under a prior order on consent, according to the press release.
Under the order, PHRT is required to:
- Immediately implement safety measures for LPG Units #1 and #2 at the facility, including staffing for nightshift walk-downs and bolstering emergency response capabilities.
- Submit a detailed work plan for EPA approval and secure any necessary permits for material removal from LPG Units #1 and #2, in compliance with environmental laws.
- Safely remove materials from LPG Units #1 and #2.
EPA will hold a virtual public meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 27, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. AST. During the meeting, EPA officials will go over the details of the order and answer questions from members of the community. Click here to attend the meeting, the press release stated.
To provide easy access for the community, EPA has established a toll-free hotline at 866- 462-4789 and is maintaining regular communication with the community. For additional details on the EPA’s initiatives at this refinery, please visit the Refinery on St. Croix webpage.
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