EPA Shuts Down Limetree Bay Refinery For 60 Days

ST. CROIX, USVI — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ordered Limetree Bay Terminals, LLC and Limetree Bay Refining, LLC (Limetree Bay) to pause all operations at the St. Croix refinery. The EPA issued the order after several recent incidents at the refinery resulted in air pollutants and oil releases.

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The EPA is using the emergency powers granted by the Clean Air Act Section 303 which states that the EPA may take urgent measures when an entity's actions are endangering the public's health, welfare or the environment. According to a statement release by the EPA, Limetree's recent operational issues "present an imminent risk to public health."

The EPA also pointed to the possible affect that these incidents are having on the environment.

“This already overburdened community has suffered through at least four recent incidents that have occurred at the facility, and each had an immediate and significant health impact on people and their property. EPA will not hesitate to use its authority to enforce the law and protect people from dangerous pollution where they work, live, and play.” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan.

The shut-down order will remain in effect for 60 days. The EPA can extend the order if it files a civil action against the refinery.

To read the full text of the EPA order, click here.

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