E-M:/ Giant oil refinery expansion near Lake Superior

[David Holtz <dholtz@cleanwater.org>]

http://thepoliticalenvironment.blogspot.com/2007/10/murphy-oil-expansion-ready-to-be-called.html

While no permit applications have been received, both technical and senior regulators have met and communicated frequently with Murphy Oil representatives since 2006 regarding the company's efforts to expand its refining capacity at the firm's refinery in Superior, WI from 35,000 barrels daily to 235,000 daily, according to records obtained from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources under the Wisconsin Open Records law. Up to 400 acres of wetlands would be impacted.

The documents indicate that:

• a federal environmental impact statement will be required as well as permits from the federal and state government.


• bird and plant field surveys on the proposed 425-acre Superior site have already begun;


• federal officials in Illinois and Minnesota have joined in the discussions;


• Army Corps of Engineers regulators outlined the applicable federal processes to Murphy and DNR representatives as early as May 18, 2006.