How Philly narrowly avoided disaster after refinery explosion
Federal regulators released a report that revealed just how close the city came to catastrophe after the Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery explosion in June.
Listen 14:09
Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery. (Emma Lee/WHYY)
Listen to The Why wherever you get your podcasts:
Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | RadioPublic | TuneIn
Federal regulators have confirmed that more than 3,000 pounds of a toxic chemical called called hydrofluoric acid was released during the massive explosion at the Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery in June. StateImpact Pennsylvania reporter Susan Phillips breaks down why no one was injured and how the city narrowly avoided a disaster.
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.
Brought to you by The Why
The Why
There’s more to every story if you take the time to tell it.
PES refinery demolition to take four years, new owner Hilco says
A public information session sought by the community laid out the details, and clarified who is responsible for cleanup of the contamination.
3 years ago
Cancer-causing benzene continues to flow from PES refinery complex
In 2020, levels dropped significantly due to the refinery’s shutdown, a recent report showed, but they remain high. The complex is being dismantled.
3 years ago
Listen 1:36
The chemical that could have killed millions in the Philly refinery fire
Hydroflouric acid is a toxic chemical used in local refineries. Why a release during the recent South Philly refinery explosion would have been disastrous.
Air Date: July 30, 2019
Listen 15:27