Dear Hello, The Monroe Energy refinery in Trainer, PA is applying for a permit amendment to extend the full installation of two new cooling towers by two years (2026 to 2028). When fully constructed, the towers would reduce the volume of water extracted from the Delaware River for the cooling of infrastructure and equipment. Monroe Energy is citing financial hardship and operational difficulties arising from the COVID-19 pandemic as the primary reason for the permit extension. The refinery, which manufactures gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, was first constructed in 1912 and has undergone a series of shutdowns and ownership changes over the years. Monroe Energy, now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Delta Airlines, has struggled with financial shortcomings since Delta purchased the facility in 2012. Delta has publicly sought partners to operate the refinery, but there have been no successful agreements. The pandemic is not an adequate justification for extending Monroe’s permit. Additionally, in its application in December 2020 Monroe Energy erroneously suggested that the facility was not in violation of any Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regulation. However, the Refinery committed significant violations at the time of the application as well as more recently in March 2021. Between December 31, 2020 and January 28, 2021, Monroe Energy also reported significant discharges of lead pollution into the Delaware River. While there are no standards for lead discharges into surface water, for comparison, these discharges were well above EPA drinking water standards. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, lead exposure in children can cause, “damage to the brain and nervous system, slowed growth and development, learning and behavior problems, and hearing and speech problems.” A public hearing on this proposed permit modification is important so that residents can voice their concerns about this facility. In Monroe Energy’s application, it responded “not applicable” to the question “have you addressed community concerns that were identified?”. When asked by the DEP, Monroe Energy also failed to indicate that Delaware County has both a comprehensive plan and a stormwater management plan. This is important because Delaware County’s comprehensive plan seeks to, “Promote energy efficiency improvements, encourage alternative sources of energy in appropriate locations, and support the development of green technology businesses and educational opportunities in the region." This failure to engage with county government and local residents further reinforces the need for a public hearing on this troubled facility when it is safe to publicly gather. | |
Joseph Otis Minott, Esq.
Executive Director and Chief Counsel | |
