Tuscaloosa Refinery

The oil refinery in Tuscaloosa, Alabama first began operation in 1946. It is currently owned by Hunt Refining Company, and has the ability to produce up to 52,000 barrels of crude oil on a daily basis.

On May 13th, 2001 a minor fire broke out within a crude oil processing unit at the refinery. Fire fighters were immediately called in to suppress the blaze, and they were able to contain it in just under an hour. Two plant workers were seriously burned in the incident, and had to be taken to the hospital immediately. The fire did not do much other damage, and the plant was able to return to full capacity soon after the flames were extinguished.

Over the years the plant in Tuscaloosa has not been looked upon as s major polluter, but in 2007 they did work out an agreement with The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to pay $49 million as part of an EPA emissions enforcement lawsuit. The suit itself was a general one brought about by the EPA to encourage and force oil refineries nation wide to reduce the hazardous emissions produced at every facility. Executives from Hunt Refining voluntarily agreed to participate and pay this amount to improve relations with the community and environmental groups. The money will be used to ensure that all of the equipment used in the refinery is up to code with the regulations designated by The Clean Air Act.

Although the owners of the Tuscaloosa refinery have worked hard to make sure it is an environmentally safe facility, years ago they did unknowingly allow a very hazardous material to be used throughout the plant. Before it was recognized as being toxic, asbestos was a key ingredient in a large variety of products found in most every oil refinery, as well as in many other industrial settings. These products, such as rubber gaskets and insulation, worked well in refineries due to their ability to withstand great amounts of heat, but over time they would break apart and allow the tiny fibers that make up asbestos to be released into the atmosphere. Anytime this happens it can lead to dangerous scenarios, because these fibers may be inhaled by unsuspecting victims, and once they are breathed in, they can seriously damage the respiratory system and lead to potentially fatal diseases, most notably Mesothelioma.

Tuscaloosa's refinery is preparing for a very successful future. Hunt Refining is planning a $675 million expansion of the facility that is expected to be completed by 2010. When it is finished, the expansion will double the production of gasoline and diesel fuels, and provide up to 40 new jobs for local residents. County officials are working with the refinery and offering incentives to encourage this plan. The Industrial Development Authority is allowing $50 million in tax-free Gulf Opportunity Zone bonds and $25 million in taxable bonds to help ensure the growth of the facility and the creation of new employment opportunities in Tuscaloosa County.

Last modified: December 09 2009.