“The Aftermath of the South Philadelphia Refinery Explosion: What Comes Next for Pollution in the City?”

The closure of the South Philadelphia refinery in 2019 was seen as a victory for residents and environmentalists who had long suffered from the air pollution emanating from the facility. However, the closure of the refinery did not mean the end of pollution in the area, as other industrial sites continue to operate and pose environmental risks.

One such site is a terminal where benzene has seeped into the soil and groundwater, posing a threat to the surrounding community. Additionally, plans for a municipal natural gas storage plant and the expansion of a tank facility by a fossil fuel company have raised concerns among environmentalists about the potential for increased pollution in the area.

The developer HRP Group is repurposing the former refinery site into a massive logistics center, which could result in increased vehicular air pollution in the area. While HRP has taken steps to remove petroleum waste from the site and promote the use of electric vehicles, concerns remain about the potential impact on air quality.

Environmental groups like the Clean Air Council have been advocating for tighter regulations on the remaining industrial facilities in South and Southwest Philly. They have raised concerns about the air pollution emitted by these facilities and the potential health risks posed to nearby communities, particularly communities of color.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has issued permits for some of these sites under the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System, but environmentalists continue to push for stricter regulations and cleanup efforts. Companies like Energy Transfer and PBF Logistics Products have been urged to address contamination issues at their facilities and mitigate the risks posed to public health.

Residents like Mark Clincy, who has lived near the refinery site for years, are calling for a thorough cleanup of the area to ensure the safety of the community. While progress has been made in addressing some of the pollution issues in the area, there is still much work to be done to protect the health and well-being of residents in South Philadelphia.

As the debate over pollution in South Philadelphia continues, it is clear that the closure of the refinery was just the beginning of a long process to address environmental concerns in the area. With ongoing advocacy from environmental groups and community members, there is hope for a cleaner and healthier future for South Philadelphia.