EPA reaches historic $4.2 million settlement over 2019 South Philly refinery explosion and fire
The federal agency claims Philadelphia Energy Solutions failed to properly monitor a burst pipe that started the fire. The bankrupt former operator hasn’t admitted fault.
5 days ago
Listen 1:11Fuel tank ignites at Hilco site, drawing 100 firefighters to former PES refinery in South Philly
Blow torches being used to demolish at the former PES refinery in South Philadelphia are thought to have ignited the fire, which was brought under control within four hours.
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 1:36Center for Architecture gives awards for urban design psychiatry, ideas for PES site renewal
The Center for Architecture and Design in Philadelphia honors Mindy Fullilove, while pondering how to remediate the PES refinery site.
4 years ago
School Board changes its mind; votes yes on Hilco refinery redevelopment tax break
The School Board rejected the tax abatement in a prior vote. Board members said a vow to hire Philadelphia graduates changed no votes to yes.
4 years ago
Jasmine Sessoms’ job: to be liaison with the community, government, businesses and media as her company recreates the property. She welcomes the challenge.
4 years ago
The $225.5 million deal is done. Chicago-based Hilco plans to turn the 1,300-acre site in Southwest Philly into a distribution and logistics center.
4 years ago
Bankruptcy judge clears away final hurdle in PES refinery sale
With a $26.5 million cut in the price agreed to by Philadelphia Energy Solutions and Hilco Redevelopment OK’d, the deal is expected to close Friday.
4 years ago
‘We don’t smell that gas anymore’: Activists mark anniversary of blast that shut down PES refinery
Damage from the June 21 fire that resulted led to closure of the complex, the company’s bankruptcy, and a planned sale of the 1,300-acre property.
4 years ago
Company buying bankrupt PES refinery promises 18,000 jobs in next 10 years
A Hilco Redevelopment Partners executive told a City Council hearing the company’s plan will create 8,000 union construction jobs, 10,000 permanent jobs.
4 years ago
Planned $120M renewable-energy plant at South Philly refinery site is not dead
A settlement resolved the plant developer’s objection to Hilco Redevelopment Partners’ purchase of the property. Two sides will negotiate further, he says.
4 years ago
Philly warns of odors wafting from shuttered refinery this week
Crews are removing mercaptan from the site, the odor used to make natural gas leaks smelly.
4 years ago
Philly seeks over $1M from PES refinery for Fire Department response
The city wants to be reimbursed for costs incurred by its hazardous materials team after June’s explosion, fire at Philadelphia Energy Solutions’ complex.
4 years ago
What happens next, now that the refinery’s future seems wide open?
First, Philadelphia Energy Solutions and buyer Hilco Redevelopment Partners have to meet several legal obligations before the sale can close.
5 years ago
Bankruptcy judge approves PES refinery’s sale to Hilco Redevelopment Partners
Also approved: a $29 million settlement with Philadelphia Energy Solutions’ unsecured creditors that includes a $5 million severance fund for workers.
5 years ago