#zenith-energy

#zenith-energy

Environmental groups have been at odds with the city of Portland for years over Zenith Energy's oil transloading facility in Northwest Portland. Critics argue the city is allowing a dangerous operation with environmental and health risks to continue its business, with little mechanism for the city to enforce its own regulations imposed on the energy company. That last part came into clearer focus recently. A lawsuit filed against the city by multiple environmental groups revealed issues with a Land Use Compatibility Statement (LUCS)

When the city of Portland permitted Zenith Energy to continue operating its fuel transport and storage facility in Northwest Portland three years ago, it did so on several conditions designed to limit potential harms to the environment. The land use compatibility statement issued by the city requires Zenith to phase out its use of crude oil, reduce its storage tank capacity, and reduce other potentially toxic emissions.