A fire burns at the Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery hours after a series of early morning explosions at the 150-year-old industrial complex at 3100 W. Passyunk Ave.
Emma Lee / WHYY
Smart Talk: Investigation continues into Philadelphia refinery fire
Owners announce decision to close facility following incident
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Merideth Bucher -
Benjamin Pontz
Emma Lee / WHYY
A fire burns at the Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery hours after a series of early morning explosions at the 150-year-old industrial complex at 3100 W. Passyunk Ave.
The largest refinery on the East Coast is in South Philadelphia and operated by Philadelphia Energy Solutions. On Friday, the refinery caught fire following a series of explosions, sending black plumes of smoke into the air. The company said Wednesday that it will close the plant next month.
An investigation is underway to determine the cause and evaluate the impact on the region’s air quality.
StateImpact Pennsylvania reporter Susan Phillips joined Smart Talk to discuss the investigation and reports that dangerous chemicals were released in the area.
Key points:
1:47 – Refinery fire may not affect gas prices
3:55 – Renewable fuel standards led refinery to close
4:45 – Why the explosion hasn’t raised gas prices like natural disasters have
6:54 – Environmental effects
8:14 – Layoffs & local economy in wake of refinery closure
10:50 – Future of the 1,300-acre facility
