The Environmental Integrity Project charged yesterday that Delaware’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control violated the federal Clean Air Act.
The Washington based environmental group says the blanket emissions permit the state agency gave to PBF Energy for the Delaware City Refinery freed the company to modify some existing systems without triggering stepped-up control requirements for nitrogen oxides.
The Wilmington News Journal reports that DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara defended the state actions saying that the approach led to lower overall emissions.
In addition, he told the paper that federal officials were consulted and aware of the agreement.
The issue came to light during this week’s public hearing on the permit for the Delaware City refinery that saw hundreds of plant employees as well as residents and environmentalists in attendance.
