A few weeks after HOVENSA was fined millions of dollar for pollution from its St. Croix refinery, air pollution monitoring has begun to ensure the facility’s compliance with the United States Clean Air Act:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has begun a three-month study of air pollution from the HOVENSA oil refinery and other sources of air pollution near the facility in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. HOVENSA is the second largest oil refinery in the United States. EPA has installed air monitoring equipment at three locations where the biggest impacts of air pollution from HOVENSA and other facilities would be expected. The Agency will measure levels of a class of air pollutants known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), some of which have serious health effects.
Many VOCs are known to cause cancer in animals. Some cause cancer in people, while other VOCs have no known health effects. Like other pollutants, the extent and nature of the health effect will depend on many factors, including the level and length of exposure.
“The air monitoring study in the community near the HOVENSA refinery is another important component of EPA’s ongoing evaluation of toxic air pollutants that could be affecting the health of people who live in the area,” said Judith Enck, EPA Regional Administrator. “EPA is examining all aspects of HOVENSA’s operations to ensure that people’s health is protected and that the facility is in compliance with all environmental laws.”
The community air toxic monitoring study will provide information to EPA and local residents on whether air quality near the monitoring locations poses health concerns and to guide the strategies for reducing local air pollution. EPA will use the information gathered in the study to help determine next steps, which could include additional monitoring or enforcement actions where appropriate. The goal is to protect public health by preventing exposure to pollution from the facility.
Read more in this press release and at the EPA website.
For other Green Antilles posts about HOVENSA in St. Croix, click here.
[Photo: virginislandsdailynews.com]
