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Evergreen and the former Philadelphia Energy Solutions Refining Complex

Providing Opportunity for Public Comment

The Former Philadelphia Refinery

The former Philadelphia Refinery is a 1300-acre site located in South Philadelphia. Formerly known as the Sunoco Philadelphia Refinery (sold in 2012) and then the Philadelphia Energy Solutions Refining and Marketing LLC Complex (shut down in 2019), the site was previously used to store and process petroleum (an oil commonly used to make gasoline and diesel oil). The site, now known as the Bellwether District, is currently being developed for future use as a commercial facility after being purchased by Hilco Redevelopment Partners (HRP) in 2020.

Environmental Remediation (Cleanup)

Environmental investigations and cleanup activities have occurred at the facility at least back to the 1980s and before by Sunoco during their ownership, then subsequently by Evergreen as a Sunoco subsidiary.

1993

CO&A Agreement is Formed

The Philadelphia Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) establishes a Consent Order and Agreement (CO&A) and requires the Philadelphia Refinery to undergo environmental investigations and cleanup activities in accordance.

2003

A New Agreement Forms

A new CO&A between Sunoco and the PADEP replaces and expands upon the 1993 agreement.

2006

The Land Recycling Program

Sunoco submits a Note of Intent to Remediate and the Refinery enters into Pennsylvania’s Act 2 Land Recycling Program, providing a framework for the cleanup and reuse of contaminated sites and sets cleanup standards that are based on risk and are protective of human health and the environment.

2011

One Cleanup Program

Sunoco enters the facility into the One Cleanup Program, which provides uniform cleanup through both PADEP's Act 2 and the US Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA) Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) programs.

2012

The Refinery is Sold

Philadelphia Refinery facility is sold to Philadelphia Energy Solutions (PES).

2013

Continuing the Remediation

Philadelphia Refinery Operations, a series of Evergreen Resources Group LLC. manages and continues the investigation and remediation at the Refinery.

2019

Refinery Stops Operating

The facility stops operating as a refinery.

June 2020

Hilco Redevelopment Partners

Hilco Redevelopment Partners purchases the site to redevelop the property for commercial use. Evergreen retains the liability for subsurface investigation and remediation activities at this separate Act 2 Site.

A Video on the Basics of the Legacy Remediation Program

An Opportunity for Public Comment

Cleaning up the refinery and ensuring public health go hand in hand. In order to be successful, it is essential to provide the public with clear, meaningful opportunities to participate, voice their opinions, and understand the project. The Act 2 requirements include providing public notification of Act 2 reports and an opportunity for public comment. All reports can be accessed through a general file review request sent to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) or a more formal Right-To-Know Law (RTKL) request.

For more information, please visit the PADEP website.
Alternatively, in an effort to make all of the Act 2 reports readily accessible to the public, they are available on this website.
Copies of each report posted on this website are also available at two branches of the Free Library of Philadelphia: Thomas F. Donatucci, Sr. Library at 1935 Shunk St. and Eastwick Library at 2851 Island Avenue. Following is a link to the Philadelphia Free Library online catalogue.

Visit the “Public Involvement” page to learn about ways you can stay involved.