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Hearing Tonight on Delaware City Air Quality Permit

PBF Energy

A big crowd is expected at the Delaware City fire hall tonight as PBF Energy seeks renewal of a catch-all air quality permit for its refinery for its refinery.

Interest in the hearing by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has been sparked by a recent citation for release of more than 263 tons of sulfur dioxide without a permit during a 13-day period in January.

The emissions were the result of a breakdown in a major energy recovery and pollution control unit.

The Wilmington News Journal reports that industrial sites are considered major pollutions sources if they emit 100 tons or more of sulfur dioxide during an entire year.

The Sierra Club wants regulators to impose a clear penalty fee standard as part of any permit.  

While residents and environmental groups are expected to show up in strong numbers PBF Energy spokesman Michael Karlovich told the News Journal that his company will hold a rally at the plant this afternoon of employees, contractors and “other friends of the plant”.

The firm will then make buses available for those who want to attend the hearing.

Don Rush is the News Director at Delmarva Public Media. An award-winning journalist, Don reports major local issues of the day, from sea level rise, to urban development, to the changing demographics of Delmarva.