A second compressor problem in recent days at the PBF Energy Delaware City Refinery early Monday morning resulted in the release of 177 pounds of sulfer dioxide, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control reported.
The event at 3:20 a.m. also resulted in flaring as a way to relieve pressure.
Earlier in the month, a release of less than 100 pounds was reported.
Refinery operations are closely watched for environmental issues. Releases are also news in the fuel trading markets, since production cutbacks and shutdowns can affect gasoline prices.
The earlier compressor trip at Delaware City and a similar event at PBF’s Paulsboro, N.J. site contributed to higher prices on the closely watch New York gasoline market. Reuters later reported that the sulfur dioxide release and flaring resulted in an uptick in the New York market.
