The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an administrative order on consent to Port Hamilton Refining and Transportation LLLP (PHRT). Under this order, PHRT agrees to safely remove materials and strictly adhere to environmental regulations. This directive is part of the EPA’s ongoing efforts to protect the environment and public health on St. Croix.
“EPA is upholding environmental laws and protecting people’s health in St. Croix,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “This order on consent is a continuation of EPA’s work over the past several years to address risks at this facility that may pose a threat to people and the environment. We will work closely with PHRT, and monitor progress, to ensure the directives are completed.”
The administrative order follows a September 2023 inspection that identified potential risks associated with materials not previously removed from the facility, including liquified petroleum gas (LPG) in LPG Units #1 and #2. The order specifies requirements for PHRT to mitigate these risks, addressing materials identified since PHRT removed other substances during the summer of 2023 under a prior order on consent.
Under the new order, PHRT must:
- Immediately implement safety measures for LPG Units #1 and #2 at the facility, including staffing for nightshift walk-downs and bolstering emergency response capabilities.
- Submit a detailed work plan for EPA approval and secure any necessary permits for material removal from LPG Units #1 and #2, in compliance with environmental laws.
- Safely remove materials from LPG Units #1 and #2.
The EPA will hold a virtual public meeting on Tuesday, August 27, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. AST. During this meeting, EPA officials will discuss the details of the order and answer questions from community members.
To facilitate communication with the community, the EPA has established a toll-free hotline at (866) 462-4789 and maintains regular updates through its website.
