Global Partners to Take Additional Steps In Response to Air Quality Issues Raised by Neighbors

Global Partners today announced a set of actions, responding to issues raised by neighborhood members in South Portland. Concerns voiced by members of the community have to do with air quality issues and odors.

“As part of the community in South Portland, we want to make it a better place for everyone,” said Eric Slifka, Global Partners CEO. “That’s why we are taking these steps.”

A broad range of factors – from traffic to a variety of industries – affect air quality in the area, according to recent air quality reports from the state. Based on publicly available emissions data Global’s potential impact is relatively small compared to other sources. “We want to do our part at all our facilities to help meet community concerns,” said Slifka. In addition to taking steps at this facility, the company will also contribute to a broader solution by helping finance air monitoring efforts.

The actions Global announced include:

• Adding enhanced odor control technology at its facility. Global has committed to install a mist eliminator to control odor from tanks. In addition, Global will now install an active dry scrubber to further reduce odors potentially coming from heated tanks storing No. 6 oil and asphalt. Construction on the controls will begin this fall. 

• Providing an Odor Reporting Form at www.GlobalSouthPortland.com. Odor concerns have mainly been raised in the last year. The website will give neighbors a way to contact the company directly.

• Reducing the amount of product that is allowed to be shipped through the facility.

•  On an annual basis, the company will publish emissions to its website after they are reported to the state DEP, to encourage transparency.

• Contributing $15,000 to local air monitoring efforts. Discussions with Maine DEP will help determine the best way to make that contribution. Global will work closely with the city and state on ongoing air monitoring efforts.

Global has already begun implementing the terms of a settlement with EPA. Once the settlement is finalized, the company will complete implementation.