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PES refinery explosion investigation says EPA should scrutinize deadly chemical hydroflouric acid

The Chemical Safety Board’s investigation points to a corroded pipe as the source of the explosion. It also says several safety provisions failed to kick in immediately or were not in place.

By Susan Phillips/StateImpact Pennsylvania

Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery demolition to take four years, new owner Hilco says

After a video call with the company that’s redeveloping the PES site, some members of an environmental justice group said they still had questions.

By Susan Phillips/StateImpact Pennsylvania

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Cancer-causing benzene continues to flow from PES refinery complex in Philadelphia

Some levels are higher than what the EPA deems actionable. An agency spokesperson and the Philly health department say the levels don’t indicate health impacts for nearby neighborhoods. But the director of Global Public Health and the Common Good at Boston College said any exposure increases risk.

By Susan Phillips/StateImpact Pennsylvania

Company buying bankrupt Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery promises 18,000 jobs in next 10 years

“It’s projects like this, I believe, that will help jump-start our economy."
By Catalina Jaramillo/WHYY



Philadelphia proposes banning hydrofluoric acid, toxic chemical in refinery explosion

The proposal stems from last summer’s explosion at the Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery in South Philadelphia.
By Susan Phillips/StateImpact Pennsylvania

Philly has a new way to track air quality — but it won’t help in an emergency

Pretty much every day, the Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery sent thick black-gray plumes of smoke into the air, to mingle with emissions from nearby Philadelphia International Airport and the two interstate highways that run through Grays Ferry.

By Catalina Jaramillo/WHYY
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