Limetree Bay Refinery Will Start Monitoring Sulfur Dioxide

ST. CROIX, USVI — Limetree Bay refinery has agreed to resume sulfur dioxide monitoring. This decision from the executive management comes days after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that Limetree Bay was in violation of the Clean Air Act.

The EPA investigation was kicked off after several operational incidents at the refinery. Most recently, local schools and a vaccine center were closed after residents reported feeling sick from a noxious gas coming from the refinery. Experts later confirmed that the gas was sulfur dioxide and Limetree Bay acknowledged that there was an operating incident.

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As reported by Reuters, the refinery's sulfur dioxide monitors have not been operational in several months. However, the owners of the refinery have agreed to reinstate five sulfur dioxide air monitors near the facility. CEO Jeff Rinker said, “We are committed to being a responsible part of the St. Croix community and believe this investment will help build trust in our operations."

Limetree Bay and the EPA still disagree as to whether functional sulfur dioxide monitors are required under the terms of the refinery's permits. However, both sides seem content with the plan of action: get those monitors back up and running.

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