Layoffs at PES refinery begin, as union argues for continued presence due to safety concerns

Residents say officials should have communicated in “real-time” and released details about air monitoring and chemicals at the plant sooner.

According to the township, the situation is “under control” — but some residents can expect to smell gasoline and the odor of dead fish for the next few days.

Refinery unions say the closure of the facility will impact about 36,000 jobs indirectly and that the region will lose $16 billions if it closes permanently.