PES Refinery

The proposal stems from last summer’s explosion at the PES refinery in South Philadelphia. The company is winding its way through bankruptcy.

Bilal Motley’s 48-minute documentary, “Midnight Oil,” chronicles the last days of the South Philly complex. Some of his former coworkers are not pleased.

Andrew R. Vara, charged with administrative oversight of the bankruptcy, says the plan has issues with discharge claims, release provisions, statutory fees.

Refinery supporters including union leaders have joined forces, with the backing of the White House, to question PES’ decision favoring the lower bidder.

The city and state joined 13 other states and the District of Columbia in a federal lawsuit that says the new rules violate the Clean Air Act.

Brian Abernathy, who co-chaired the city’s Refinery Advisory Group, said Hilco Redevelopment Partners envisions warehouse and logistics space as likely uses.

The Chicago-based real estate company was the winning bidder for the South Philly complex as part of Philadelphia Energy Solutions’ bankruptcy, according to documents filed.

A New York law office will host the bankruptcy sale of the Philadelphia Energy Solutions complex, closed since June’s explosion and fire.

The city knew about the high levels of benzene at the refinery, but decided not to inform the public.

Moving on hasn’t been easy since the June fire disrupted livelihoods and sent the refinery back into bankruptcy. Some have new jobs; some don’t.

Though it urges cleaner use of the site long term, the Refinery Advisory Group’s report says the city has limited control over the fate of the complex.

Residents, labor leaders, health and environmental experts, planners and municipal officials gave City Council oversight panels their recommendations.

In a resolution passed unanimously, Council expressed “strong interest and enthusiastic support” for proposals in tune with Philadelphia’s climate goals.

So far, 15 parties have expressed interest in the complex, though their identities were not disclosed. Philadelphia Energy Solutions may hold an auction.

Tired of being left out of the process, protesters refused to let public meetings on cleaning up the refinery site move ahead.