Google image of the Shell Providence Terminal
June 27, 2018 (PROVIDENCE, RI) – Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) was in court today arguing against Shell’s motion to dismiss a lawsuit brought by the environmental advocacy group. The lawsuit alleges that Shell’s Providence Terminal is in violation of the federal Clean Water Act and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and is endangering the Providence River and local community as a result.
“Shell’s facility is an accident waiting to happen,” said Chris Kilian, Vice President of Strategic Litigation at CLF. “One severe storm could result in the terminal spilling toxic chemicals into the Providence River and surrounding communities. The company has failed to prepare the facility for the effects of climate change, even as sea levels continue to rise and stronger storms are becoming more frequent. We will continue the fight to protect the community and our environment from the dangers posed by this terminal.”
CLF’s suit contends that Shell’s failure to protect its Providence Terminal against the effects of climate change violates the conditions of its Clean Water Act permit and the hazardous waste law. Located at the head of Narragansett Bay, the terminal sits directly in harm’s way as sea levels rise and storms become more extreme.
A ruling on the motion is expected in the coming months.
The Shell case is the latest in CLF’s ongoing fight to hold large polluters accountable for their negative impacts on our environment. In a similar case, CLF is taking ExxonMobil to court for the company’s failure to protect its Everett, MA facility from the risks of climate change.
CLF experts are available for further comment.
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