Full Breakdown
Wisconsin Oil Refinery Faces Allegations of Pollution Violations
9/30/2025, 1:38:47 PM
Overview of Allegations Against Superior Refining Company
Wisconsin's only oil refinery, operated by Canadian company Cenovus Energy under the name Superior Refining Company, is facing allegations of over two dozen violations of state air pollution control laws. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has issued two notices of violations in January and August 2024, citing a total of 27 violations since late 2023. These include exceeding emission limits for pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, greenhouse gases, and carbon monoxide, as well as failing to conduct required sampling and monitoring.
Context of the Refinery's Operations
Cenovus Energy acquired the Superior Refining Company in 2021 and undertook a $1.2 billion rebuild of the facility following a significant explosion in 2018. The refinery resumed operations in 2023, but residents have reported concerns regarding odors and emissions since its reopening. The DNR has noted that increased emissions were anticipated with the restart of operations, although it clarified that odors do not necessarily indicate unhealthy air quality.
Regulatory and Community Responses
Craig Czarnecki, a DNR spokesperson, emphasized that permit limits are established to safeguard public health and the environment. He stated that the alleged violations do not automatically imply that air quality standards have been exceeded. Environmental law professor Steph Tai remarked that the issuance of violation notices indicates that prior efforts to address concerns were insufficient, suggesting that the company is not meeting its permit requirements.
In response to the allegations, a Cenovus spokesperson indicated that the violations stemmed from short-term issues related to the refinery's rebuild, most of which have been resolved. The spokesperson asserted that the refinery is committed to compliance and has been cooperative with the DNR throughout the enforcement process.
Community Concerns and Calls for Monitoring
Residents of Superior have expressed ongoing concerns about air quality, particularly regarding the persistent smell of sulfur and emissions of benzene. Lynn Wohlwend, a local resident, highlighted the discomfort caused by the odors, while Patty Lier and Pam Savoy called for more robust air quality monitoring. They criticized the reliance on a regulatory monitor located in Duluth, which they argue does not accurately reflect local air quality conditions.
The DNR has acknowledged the limitations of its monitoring capabilities, stating that its air quality network is funded by federal grants and lacks resources for additional monitoring beyond federally mandated requirements.
Conflicting Reports on Air Quality Monitoring
While the DNR has stated that the nearest regulatory monitor did not detect significant changes in air quality following the 2018 explosion, residents argue that the absence of local monitoring fails to address their concerns adequately. The community's reliance on non-regulatory air sensors, such as those provided by PurpleAir, has been met with skepticism regarding their accuracy and reliability.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The alleged violations suggest that the company is not meeting the permit requirements, and those permit requirements are designed to protect human health,” — Steph Tai, Environmental Law Professor, University of Wisconsin-Madison
- “When deviations from permitted conditions occur, the Refinery takes action to bring the facility back into compliance as promptly and safely as possible,” — Cenovus Spokesperson
- “We would like a regulatory air monitor here because we have the only refinery in the state, and we should have one that actually represents the quality of the air here,” — Patty Lier, Superior Resident
The situation surrounding the Superior Refining Company highlights ongoing tensions between regulatory compliance, community health concerns, and the operational challenges faced by the refinery.
