"When the city of Portland permitted Zenith Energy to continue operating its fuel transport and storage facility in Northwest Portland three years ago, it did so on several conditions designed to limit potential harms to the environment. The land use compatibility statement issued by the city requires Zenith to phase out its use of crude oil, reduce its storage tank capacity, and reduce other potentially toxic emissions."
"When the city initially granted Zenith the land use credential in 2022, a number of environmental groups argued the conditions did not go far enough in curtailing Zenith's operations in Portland, which pose a major risk in the event of an earthquake. They did, at least in theory, provide a set of guardrails the company would have to abide by."
"But during a hearing in August, an attorney for the city turned heads by telling a judge that the city does not believe it can enforce the conditions in the LUCS at all. Environmental groups say the city shouldn't have issued its stamp of approval with updated conditions if city staff knew they had limited capability to enforce the requirements listed in the LUCS."
Portland allowed Zenith Energy to continue operating a fuel transport and storage facility under conditions intended to limit environmental harm. The land use compatibility statement requires Zenith to phase out crude oil, reduce storage tank capacity, lower other toxic emissions, and cease operations at its asphalt refinery. Environmental groups said the conditions were insufficient given earthquake risks. A coalition of environmental groups and residents sued, alleging the city failed to provide public involvement opportunities during approval. During an August hearing, a city attorney said the city does not believe it can enforce the LUCS conditions, prompting criticism and ongoing venue disputes.
Read at Portland Mercury
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