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Xylene Production Proposal Worries Anacortes Environmental Group

Courtesy Tesoro Anacortes
/
PublicMeeting.info
Aerial view of the Tesoro Anacortes refinery with elements of the proposed project in red.

Petrochemicals used in the production of plastics are causing concern among Northwest environmentalists. First there was the methanol plant proposed for construction in Tacoma’s tide flats. That’s now on hold.

But the comment period for a new proposal in Anacortes just wrapped up over the weekend.

Xylene is the latest product used in plastics that an oil company is proposing to ship from the Northwest to Asia. Tesoro wants to produce as much as 15,000 barrels of it a day at its refinery in Anacortes.  As many as five tankers a month would carry it across the Pacific,from docks at March Point, past the San Juan Islands and through the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Xylene is a byproduct of crude oil and the company says making it would diversify their business. They’re calling the proposal their Clean Products Upgrade Project.

Environmental groups are not so sure.

“I think it’s a Trojan horse,” said Tom Glade, the president of the non-profit Evergreen Islands.

The group that got its start nearly 40 years ago opposing a nuclear power plant in the area. He says now they’re concerned about the potential for a dramatic increase in oil tanker traffic from March Point. And he says even though the company says xylene would quickly evaporate if spilled, he’s worried about wildlife. It’s listed as a toxic substance, known to cause health problems with exposure.

“The animals out there during the time that it takes to evaporate, they’re bathing in xylene. So it’s not so clean as Tesoro would have one believe,” Glade said

Glade says at a minimum, escort tugs should be required when new tanker traffic is moving through local waterways. And he says the true impact of increased shipping in the Salish Sea needs to be recognized.

The company has promised to work with local governments to address any concerns.

Bellamy Pailthorp covers the environment for KNKX with an emphasis on climate justice, human health and food sovereignty. She enjoys reporting about how we will power our future while maintaining healthy cultures and livable cities. Story tips can be sent to bpailthorp@knkx.org.