New Haven Harbor. Photo: Christian Hinkle via Shutterstock
May 7, 2020 (BOSTON, MA) – Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) has submitted a letter questioning Gulf Oil’s plans to modify its waterfront oil storage terminal in New Haven, Connecticut. The company is currently applying for permits to alter the facility to accommodate a new, approximately 7-million-gallon oil storage tank.
“This terminal sits directly in harm’s way and is already a terrible threat to the health of surrounding communities,” said Brad Campbell, President of CLF. “This facility was severely threatened by storm surge and floodwaters in Superstorm Sandy, and an ill-conceived expansion plan will invite catastrophe. Gulf must recognize the reality of the climate crisis and ensure that a facility in this location can withstand the impacts without dumping oil and other toxic materials into New Haven Harbor.”
The Gulf terminal sits nearly at sea level in a FEMA flood zone, and it is especially vulnerable to flooding from storms as well as sea-level rise. CLF’s letter raises significant questions about Gulf’s ability to ensure the safety of the facility moving forward. The letter can be found here.
CLF experts are available for further comment.
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