Permit approved for project at former Tesoro refinery

By Scotty Van Dryver December 8, 2017 4:58 pm

KGMI(AP)FILE - This April 2, 2010 file photo shows a Tesoro Corp. refinery, including a gas flare flame that is part of normal plant operations, in Anacortes, Wash. In the 2016 election, voters in Washington state rejected an initiative that would have taxed carbon emissions from fossil fuels such as coal and gasoline.

Skagit County’s hearing examiner has approved a key shoreline permit for a proposed project at the former Tesoro refinery at Anacortes.

The refinery, now named Andeavor, is planning upgrades to help it meet upcoming federal gasoline emissions regulations and diversify its products mix.

It wants to produce up to 15,000 barrels a day of a new product called xylene, a chemical compound used to make plastics and other synthetic products.

The Skagit County Hearing Examiner approved a shoreline development permit, finding that it would not result in negative impacts from increased tanker traffic to and from the refinery.

Critics have raised concerns about increased vessel traffic, potential for more oil spills and impacts on wildlife and other natural resources.