Port Hamilton Refining and Transportation officials confirmed Friday that there are no immediate plans to restart the refinery on St. Croix but reiterated their intention to work toward resuming operations in the future. In a press statement, company officials emphasized that any restart will be conducted safely, in compliance with all federal and territorial environmental standards, and will require months of preparation.
The statement clarified, “Current preparations for a restart, including routine maintenance, inspection, cleaning, and testing, do not mean that startup is imminent. Nor do they change our plans to ensure the resumption of operations in a safe and environmentally compliant manner.” Port Hamilton also committed to installing additional air monitoring systems and meeting other requirements stipulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) before any operations resume.
The refinery, formerly known as Limetree Bay, has faced significant environmental and regulatory challenges in recent years, including a 2021 shutdown after pollution incidents impacted surrounding communities. Port Hamilton acquired the facility later that year for $62 million at a bankruptcy auction. Since then, the company has been under EPA oversight to address safety and environmental concerns.
Friday’s statement also pushed back against recent reports of mold and asbestos on the property, which Port Hamilton attributed to “exaggeration and unfounded rumors.” Officials described these claims as “fabricated and distorted” and reaffirmed that the refinery is being maintained under an idled maintenance program.
The statement follows a series of conflicting reports and heightened scrutiny. Thursday, a widely viewed social media video showed Port Hamilton officials touring the refinery’s “man camp,” a housing area for workers. This sparked speculation about an imminent restart, fueled by reports from employees involved in maintenance and cleanup operations at the site who claimed that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) had recently intervened due to safety concerns, including asbestos exposure.
However, the U.S. Labor Department clarified Thursday that OSHA does not have the authority to shut down the refinery. An ongoing inspection, which began Dec. 9 and could last up to six months, though no further details were provided.
The refinery’s potential reopening has been a contentious issue on St. Croix, with many residents voicing concerns about environmental safety and public health. The EPA has consistently maintained that several critical requirements must be met before the refinery can restart. In a phone call with The Source Thursday, an EPA representative confirmed that “these requirements have not yet been met, and we have not been informed of plans to restart the operation.”
Port Hamilton’s statement on Friday reiterated its commitment to transparency and engagement with the community, adding that preparations for restart include the refurbishment of the “man camp” to accommodate skilled personnel needed for pre-startup activities.
While company officials highlight the potential economic benefits of a refinery restart, they acknowledged that resuming operations would take considerable time and effort. “We welcome an open and honest dialogue about our plans and intend to be good stewards of the environment and a lifeline to the economy of St. Croix,” said Port Hamilton Vice President and Refinery Manager Fermin Rodriguez.
