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When a refinery ceases operations, residents may believe that air pollution concerns are over. Yet, communities located near oil refineries often experience long-standing environmental issues related to air quality. While emissions from ongoing operations may stop, pollutants from previous activity can linger, and risks may persist in various forms.
Emissions from active refining processes usually cease once refineries shut down, but certain types of air pollution may remain in the area. For example, hazardous chemicals stored on site may continue to release vapors into the atmosphere. Equipment that has not yet been dismantled could leak volatile compounds.
Decommissioning and demolition activities can also contribute to air quality issues. The process of dismantling structures, removing pipes, and clearing out residual waste can generate dust, particulate matter, and chemical fumes. These emissions may affect nearby neighborhoods. It depends on how the shutdown is managed and how quickly cleanup efforts proceed.
Refineries often leave behind contaminated materials, like tanks, pipelines, soil, and wastewater systems. These remnants can contain substances such as benzene, toluene, heavy metals, and hydrocarbons. Even if the facility is no longer active, these materials can degrade and emit pollutants into the air.
The condition of the storage infrastructure can also influence ongoing pollution. Rusting tanks or damaged piping may leak gases or fumes, particularly in older refineries where maintenance may have been inconsistent in the years leading up to closure.
If proper containment and disposal procedures are not followed during decommissioning, hazardous materials may continue to affect air quality for months or even years after shutdown.
Residents near former refinery sites may still face exposure to harmful pollutants well after operations have stopped. Proximity to stored chemicals or disturbed soil during remediation work can place individuals at risk. Children, older adults, and those with respiratory conditions may be particularly vulnerable to any remaining airborne contaminants.
Air quality monitoring may be reduced or discontinued after a refinery closes. Without consistent data collection, it becomes more difficult to track changes in pollution levels and to identify new sources of emissions related to the shutdown process. In these cases, residents may be completely unaware of ongoing environmental hazards.
The decommissioning and remediation of refinery sites are typically governed by federal and state regulations. Agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state departments of environmental protection may oversee the processes. These bodies can require companies to assess contamination, submit remediation plans, and conduct public health assessments.
Unfortunately, enforcement of environmental rules varies. In some cases, the responsible company may challenge regulatory actions, delay cleanup timelines, or dispute the extent of contamination. Community groups and environmental advocates often call for transparency and accountability with limited or considerable success. Public engagement can be an important factor in maintaining oversight during the post-closure phase.
Residents who live near a closed refinery site may consider forming neighborhood coalitions, attending public meetings, or working with local governments to request continued air monitoring and environmental testing. Independent environmental assessments may provide additional insight into potential risks.
Legal assistance may also be beneficial when questions arise about pollution liability or the adequacy of remediation efforts. Environmental law firms like Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. help communities seek meaningful action if there is evidence that the refinery’s closure has not resolved ongoing air quality concerns.
The long-term effects of industrial pollution do not always disappear when a facility closes, and legal guidance may be appropriate when seeking to hold responsible parties accountable for continued environmental harm. For a free consultation, call the Wilmington environmental lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. today at 302-656-5445 or contact us online. With office locations in New Castle and Millsboro, Delaware, we proudly serve clients in New Castle County, Kent County, and Sussex County.