thrice all american: Valero For A Healthy Bay?

Valero For A Healthy Bay?

· Posted Wednesday September 27, 2006 by jamie

We got our email invite for Citizens for a Healthy Bay’s annual auction and Bay Hero awards. For anyone not aware of the organization, CHB is a great organization that works specifically for causes related to the health of Commencement Bay and the surrounding watershed, actively monitoring sources of pollution and helping to restore shoreline habitat areas, among other important work.

Anway, I’m looking at the invite and get down to the list of sponsors. Port of Tacoma, Rainier Pacific, Parametrix, Valero, etc. Wait, Valero? As in….Valero? The people with the fuel tank farm right at the mouth of the Foss Waterway? Their web site actually says on the front page that their “tank facilities are predominantly located on waterways”. I’m thinking maybe a company that states that it aims to store petroleum products right next to the water isn’t necessarily looking out for the best interests of said bodies of water.

I inquired with CHB whether or not Valero has any involvement in local environmental causes beyond just donating money for this event, but haven’t gotten a response as of yet.

I’m not saying it’s wrong, I’m just saying it’s ironic.

Update:

A response from CHB’s Senior Policy Analyst, Leslie Ann Rose:

Like many of the businesses and industries around Commencement Bay, the site of the current Valero operation historically contributed to the problem that became the Commencement Bay Superfund problem area. When identified, site operators cooperated fully to correct and remediate site problem areas as well as implement best management practices to prevent future problems.

Although Valero’s product is highly volatile and can be hazardous if carelessly handled, our review of the operation’s NPDES discharge permit shows that Valero is fully compliant with the terms and conditions of its stormwater discharge permit. All monitoring events and reports are completed and submitted on time to Ecology and there have been no instances of permit violations. All best management practices are fully implemented in order to protect the surrounding Thea Foss Waterway environment. Overall, Valero has proven to be a reliable and responsible partner in the cleanup and protection of Commencement Bay, despite the potential problems associated with its product.

With the help of our volunteers and members, CHB’s success to date has been founded on our commitment to work cooperatively and collaboratively with all stakeholders – including industry – in order to foster a strong and protective environmental ethic to cleanup, restore and protect Commencement Bay. Our policies and decisions are solely based in sound, best available science. Perhaps our greatest strength lies in the fact that our corporate partners like Valero, know for certain that we will continue to monitor their activities and take appropriate actions should they violate environmental laws irregardless of whether or not they make a financial contribution to support CHB. On behalf of all CHB staff and board, I offer you my personal assurance that we will continue to act solely in the best interests of the aquatic and nearshore environmental and that our future actions will not be determined by financial considerations.

Thank you for your concern and offering CHB an opportunity to address your question. Please feel free to give me a call if you have additional questions or wish to discuss this issue further.

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