"The city of Portland says Zenith Energy did not violate city code when it constructed and used new piping without authorization at its facility along the Willamette River between 2021 and 2024. Zenith operates an oil transloading and storage facility at the city's Critical Energy Infrastructure Hub in Northwest Portland. A report released February 19 says the city investigation found the Houston-based fossil fuel company was in compliance with its franchise agreement with the city, despite the unreported construction."
"Zenith constructed the new piping without notifying the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), and transported fossil fuels and renewable diesel on at least 34 occasions over a three-year period. The DEQ initially fined Zenith $372,600 in 2024 for the illegal construction and use of the pipes. Under city law, the company is only allowed to transport renewable fuels through any new piping it installs."
Portland's investigation found Zenith Energy complied with its franchise agreement despite constructing and using new piping without authorization at its Willamette River facility between 2021 and 2024. Zenith operates an oil transloading and storage facility at the city's Critical Energy Infrastructure Hub in Northwest Portland. Administrative staff provided documents to the law firm Cable Huston, which reviewed the city's draft findings before publication. The City Council passed a March 2025 resolution requiring the mayor to open an investigation into potential franchise agreement violations, and the agreement permits companies to access rights-of-way for pipes and utilities. Local advocates and some councilors remained skeptical.
Read at Portland Mercury
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