Media Release

Citizens for Environmental Justice • National Refinery Reform Campaign
For Immediate Release – February 9, 2005

Contact: Suzie Canales, Citizens for Environmental Justice: 361-334-6764 or Denny Larson, National Refinery Reform Campaign: 415-845-4705.

Citgo Sneak Attack on Corpus Christi Northside Steals Buffer Zone Refinery Move Signals Long Term Plan to Oust African American Neighborhood

(Corpus Christi, TX) A sneak attack by the Citgo refinery has stolen the buffer zone created by pollution lawsuits and angry neighbors in Corpus Christi’s notorious ‘refinery row’. A local Environmental Justice group and a national refinery watchdog organization condemned the decision by Citgo to expand into a much needed safety zone. The groups have asked a legal clinic that is representing them in a challenge to another controversial Citgo expansion, to investigate appealing the decision of the City Council to allow the rezoning of residential areas to industrial.

"Citgo’s zoning change in the Oak Park Triangle, which includes a change to heavy industry, is a clear indication of the refineries intent to eventually oust all of the northside residents," said Suzie Canales of Citizens for Environmental Justice. "The reason that the buffer zone was created by Citgo is that they were sued for making the neighborhoods unlivable and unhealthy."

The zoning change also could affect a toxic monitor station that showed the highest benzene readings in Texas in 2002, which is located in the affected area. With Citgo’s expansion into the buffer zone, the monitor would potentially be on the refinery’s property.

The decision was also criticized by some of the Hillcrest residents because they weren't told before the City Council's voted on the proposed zoning change. Although the majority African American neighborhood of Hillcrest borders the disputed area, the Assistant Director of Planning Services Michael Gunning told the City Council that the neighborhood was intentionally not informed because it "is not directly affected by the zoning change." Councilmen Bill Kelly said neighbors were concerned that Citgo’s move would have a "domino effect."

While Citgo claims they will use the area as a "staging area" for a $350 million project to modify and build new facilities to treat gasoline and diesel fuel, emissions from trucks and vehicles would increase air pollution in the area. But since Citgo had previously said they were creating a buffer zone in the area, it is difficult for residents to have confidence to Citgo’s claims.

"Citgo is clearly demonstrating they don’t respect the need for a buffer zone between neighborhoods," said Denny Larson of National Refinery Reform Campaign. " Also the fact that Citgo did not respect either the Hillcrest neighbor’s right to know or their safety zone, speaks volumes about how they will treat the community as they bully their way through their half a billion dollar expansion."

Attorneys are reviewing various aspects of Citgo’s latest controversial move in Corpus Christi at the request of Citizens for Environmental Justice and the National Refinery Reform Campaign. The areas of concern include lack of proper notice, infringement of civil rights, compliance with previous commitments with regard to the establishment of the buffer zone and property values.