PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • November 10, 2026
A report recently released by the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention found that South Portland residents living near the more than 100 petroleum tanks in the city owned by six companies could be at a higher risk of cancer and other chronic health issues as a result of long-term exposure to carcinogenic emissions detected there. Monitors along the fence line of some of the tank farms regularly logged long-term average benzene concentrations in ambient air that exceeded state guideline. Benzene is a known carcinogen, and high long-term exposure can cause cancers, including leukemia. There is no safe level of exposure to benzene. Citgo announced that it will cover its share of additional fenceline testing and invest in technology to reduce emissions. Global Partners did not say whether the company has specific plans in light of the report findings.