BANGOR DAILY NEWS • February 7, 2023
There has been great concern regarding the emissions from the 120 oil storage tanks in South Portland, especially the impact on those living in neighborhoods immediately adjacent who have reported alarming health effects. Multiple oil companies have been cited in lawsuits for exceeding their permitted levels of hazardous air pollutants. Protect South Portland and the Tank Emissions Coalition have advocated to require the six oil companies to do testing for toxic emissions. Sen. Anne Carney introduced an amendment to bill LD 163 to implement perimeter monitoring for petroleum storage tank farms all over Maine. The key component of LD 163 is now threatened as the proposed rule goes before the Environment and Natural Resources Committee in a public hearing on Wednesday. ~ Melinda Hull, South Portland