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New option in refinery expansion
Controversy over the Big West refinery expansion has focused on one thing in recent weeks: which toxic chemical would be safest, modified HF or sulfuric acid. But a revised environmental report out Friday contained a bit of a surprise. How about neither? The 3,000 page report examines a wide range of impacts on everything from wildlife to odors and traffic. But in a section called "alternatives" it also describes a process that would allow Big West to boost its diesel and gasoline output while allaying community concerns about hazardous chemicals. The alternative appears to be a sound compromise that would allow the expansion to move forward while assuring the surrounding community there will be no new dangers from toxic chemicals. Big West wasn't available to comment on the alternative Friday but said they will discuss it Monday. You can read the section on alternatives by downloading the Refinery Alternatives PDF on this page. Scroll down a bit and it's on the left beneath the 'PDFs' heading. Anyone think this option will get some traction? Or do you expect the issue to remain polarized between sulfuric acid and modified hydrofluoric acid? 5 comments from 5 users
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posted by
sagefever
on Jun 28, 2008 at 08:14 AM
Compromise ,love that word. Alternative D sounds good to me~ they get to produce more gas,we get less danger and a more environmentally friendly neighbor.
posted by
ibanezboogie2000
on Jul 1, 2008 at 05:46 AM
I don't think people are really understanding what exactly Alternative D is.... by using the equipment for Alternative D the amount of diesel is increased. NOT GAS.... diesel. So unless you have a fleet of trucks or cars that run on diesel, don't expect to be impacted by this new great "compromise". And less danger? Seriously there are more dangerous chemicals than MHF acid used daily in that refinery. Also given the pressures and temperatures that most the equipment runs at you are at greater risk of a catastrophic explosion than a chemical release. You just never knew about it. posted by
Shwaine
on Jul 1, 2008 at 11:55 AM
You know, forget Alternative D for a moment. Why don't we focus on this statement by the refinery: "Refinery officials have said that equipment needed for the original proposal has already been ordered, so the company could take a financial hit." www.bakersfield.com/hourly_news/story/482620.html WTH? They've already gone and purchased equipment for their preferred expansion plan before it's even been approved by the city? What sort of hubris (or corruption) is this to assume the city is just going to roll over and go along with their plans? And now we're supposed to go along with it because they've had the hubris to already order the equipment? Flying J can take a flying leap IMO. If it were up to me, I'd stick them with Alternative D just to punish them for having the audacity to order equipment before their proposal had been approved. posted by
Maggiepoo
on Jul 1, 2008 at 12:02 PM
Just saw on CNN International that Saudi Arabia said, we will pump no more oil,, that`s the limit...hmmmmmm posted by
nooneisabovethelaw
on Jul 1, 2008 at 12:36 PM
I'm with Shwaine. That comment caught my eye and my response was very similar, just back a couple of letters in the alphabet on the acronym. It's the height of audacity. Big West is showing its true colors in every step of this operation, and has spent who knows how many thousands of dollars to try to convince us they'll be a good neighbor. Hey, here's an idea: how about BEING a good neighbor? All this talk of "branding" in marketing has supplanted the idea of "reputation." How about being what you say you are? If politics and business could just remember that little detail, wouldn't this benefit us all?
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