Call To Action:
Let's "FILL THE ROOM"!
WHAT: South Portland City Council Virtual Meeting
WHEN:Tuesday, 6/16 at 6:30 PM
WHERE: By computer, click the link to join the webinar: https://zoom.us/j/94322599202
Or by phone: Dial 1 (312)) 626 6799
Webinar ID: 943 2259 9202 #
(Public comments up to 5 mins.)
The Clean Air Advisory Committee (CAAC) will be presenting the City Council with it's recommendations for the DEP on Global's permit review. The City Council will vote on 6/16 on whether to adopt them as the City's position/comments to the DEP.
It is important that the public let the City Council know that they want robust action taken to protect the health of our community.
PSP is in support of the CAAC recommendations which are summarized below.
Reminder: Deadline for written public comments to the DEP on the Global permit is Wednesday, 6/17.
air-global.dep@maine.gov
The DEP must hold Global and other tank farms accountable to the law.
To do that, it must:
- Require a better accounting of emissions. There is good reason to believe, based on public information and actual onsite testing, that Global emits far more VOCs than either its estimated potential emissions or the amount allowed by its state permit. The DEP should require that Global's proposed "odor control" devices be outfitted with continuous monitoring technology so that regulators and residents can know what is being emitted and whether those emissions pose a health risk. If that's not possible, the state should, at the very least, require a more accurate estimate of Global's emissions, including a full accounting of emissions from its heated tanks using true vapor pressure.
- Conduct a more honest review of changes at Global's tank farm: The DEP should reconsider its decision to treat this application as only a minor revision, a designation intended to be used for small administrative changes. The company has proposed significant alterations to its infrastructure and to the terms of its business (with the potential for a dramatic increase in the amount of product it moves through the facility each year). That's far more than an administrative change. On top of that, this application was mandated by the court after the DOJ made serious allegations that the company repeatedly and knowingly violated the Clean Air Act, in ways that could have serious consequences for the health of Global's neighbors. The matter deserves a more complete review by the DEP.
- Create a clearer path for the state to assess the health effects of emissions exposure. There is a disconnect between the CDC standards set to protect public health and the DEP regulators who serve as the most direct check on the companies that pose a potential public health risk. The DEP should use the study bill sponsored by Sen. Millett as an opportunity to remedy that. The state must take a more proactive approach toward protecting public health. The residents of the state require it, as does DEP's own mission statement which states "We value a clean environment where public health and natural heritage are protected".
Upcoming Meetings:
Monday, 6/22 at 6:30 PM
CAAC is meeting with the CDC
To participate via computer: https://zoom.us/j/96535448054
To participate by phone only: (312) 626-6799, then enter webinar ID: 965 3544 8054
Here are two Articles of interest, the first from The Beacon, and the second from MEDPGE TODAY:
As violations continue, SoPo residents urge state action to regulate storage tank emissions
Dems and Republicans Scuffle Over Pollution's Impact on Pandemic
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