A rerouting system has reduced the number of pollutants coming out of the Delaware City Refinery to one – sulfur dioxide The loss of a boiler at the Delaware City Refinery resulted in the release.
Late Monday afternoon, a co-boiler failure led to the release of hydrogen cyanide, anhydrous stabilized, carbonyl sulfide, ammonia, carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide into the air at the refinery owned by PBF Energy. The failure came during a period of bad weather in northern Delaware that resulted in a tornado causing damage near Newark.
As of Wednesday, the refinery was emitting 2,600 pounds per hour of sulfur dioxide as a back-up combustion system went into operation.
Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control officials said the releases could last until June 14th as boiler repairs take place.
The releases come as the refinery seeks an operating permit. A sometimes tense public hearing was held last week on that permit, with environmental groups claiming the refinery has not lives up to its promises and failed to release information on events inside the refinery.
Opponents also claim the use of a railroad loading area violates the state’s Coastal Zone Act, which bars new refineries and chemical plants. The circular track unloads crude oil from North Dakota and Canada.
A rally was held by refinery workers, who were bused into the site of the hearing. Critics of the permit, a few of whom would like to see the refinery closed, were also in attendance. The refinery accounts for 1,000 jobs from workers and on-site contractors.
Refinery officials and DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara say Delaware City has cut emissions since it reopened under the ownership of PBF.
The announcement of the releases to the community is required. However, those attending a public hearing last week on the permit, permit residents complained that notice of the releases is not always received in a timely manner.
