Tragic lawsuit filed: philanthropic organization in Philadelphia takes legal action against EPA over hazardous substance employed at refineries, causing fatalities
In the realm of petroleum refining across the United States, hydrogen fluoride (HF) plays a crucial role in producing cleaner-burning high-octane gasoline. Approximately 40 refineries nationwide employ HF as a catalyst in this process, despite concerns about its health and environmental risks [1].
Recent events have shed light on the contentious issue surrounding HF usage at refineries. Environmental and community groups, such as the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and Clean Air Council (CAC), have taken legal action to urge the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to implement stricter regulations on HF use, citing insufficient federal controls and the chemical's acute toxicity and risk of fatal accidents [2][3].
Current regulations governing HF at refineries are limited, with the EPA imposing only general chemical safety laws [3][5]. However, the litigation and advocacy efforts suggest that proposed or forthcoming regulatory scrutiny is likely. The risks associated with HF include acute toxicity to workers and nearby communities, as well as potential environmental harm such as destruction of natural areas and agriculture following accidental releases [3][5].
Monroe Energy, which operates the Trainer refinery in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, has invested heavily in safety measures to mitigate these risks. Their alkylation unit employs advanced safety systems, including cameras, laser sensors, and paint that changes color in the presence of HF, as well as regular inspections of thousands of points in the refinery's equipment [4].
Despite these precautions, a leak from a corroded pipe elbow in the refinery's alkylation unit in 2019 resulted in the release of a flammable cloud of propane and a smaller amount of HF [6]. The incident underscores the potential dangers posed by HF, as the chemical can travel for miles and be deadly when inhaled or splashed on the skin at high levels [7]. In a worst-case scenario, a leak from the Trainer Refinery could potentially expose 1.9 million people [8].
The EPA has responded to these concerns by launching an enforcement initiative focused on inspecting and addressing noncompliance at facilities using HF and another hazardous chemical in 2023 [9]. However, the agency has so far rejected the nonprofits' petition to ban refineries' use of HF [3].
The debate between refinery operations and public safety and environmental protection continues, with no definitive new regulatory framework in place as of mid-2025. The litigation and EPA's enforcement initiative, however, indicate a growing push towards increased controls on HF to mitigate serious risks.
References:
- Hydrogen Fluoride in Refineries
- NRDC Sues EPA Over Hydrogen Fluoride Use at Refineries
- EPA Rejects Petition to Ban Hydrogen Fluoride in Refineries
- Monroe Energy's Safety Measures at the Trainer Refinery
- Hydrogen Fluoride: A Toxic Threat at Refineries
- 2019 Leak at Monroe Energy's Trainer Refinery
- Hydrogen Fluoride: What You Need to Know
- Worst-Case Scenario for Hydrogen Fluoride Leak
- EPA Launches Enforcement Initiative for Hydrogen Fluoride and Hazardous Chemicals
- The debate between refinery operations and public safety, as well as environmental protection, revolves around the use of hydrogen fluoride (HF) in the petroleum industry, with environmental groups urging stricter regulations due to its acute toxicity and potential for fatal accidents.
- Despite limited current regulations on HF use by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), recent legal actions and advocacy efforts suggest that increased scrutiny and potential new regulations on HF's handling are likely.
- In the realm of education and self-development, understanding the risks associated with HF is crucial for individuals working in the energy, finance, industry, or business sectors, as well as those studying environmental science or climate-change.
- Sports enthusiasts might not initially connect HF to their chosen activity, but a leak from a corroded pipe in a refinery could potentially expose 1.9 million people, underscoring the impact of this chemical on the community, which extends to all aspects of life, including sports events and gatherings.
