PES Refinery Watershed

PES refinery fire and closure

Last week, Philadelphia Energy Solutions announced it would close its South Philadelphia oil refinery following a nearly catastrophic fire. What's next for the site?

Air Date: July 2, 2019

Flames and smoke emerge from the Philadelphia Energy Solutions Refining Complex in Philadelphia, Friday, June 21, 2019. Explosions and a blaze at the largest oil refinery on the East Coast shook homes before dawn Friday, though authorities reported only a few minor injuries and said the air was safe to breathe. (Matt Rourke/AP Photo)

Following the recent and nearly catastrophic fire and explosions on its site, Philadelphia Energy Solutions announced last week that it would close its South Philadelphia oil refinery permanently. Philadelphia’s Managing Director BRIAN ABERNATHY will discuss how the City is responding both to the fire and to the closure of the plant. Drexel University associate professor PETER DeCARLO will also be in studio to break down the environmental legacy of the plant and some steps that could be taken to clean up the site.

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.