Delaware County Authorizes $100k Study To Find New Uses For Sunoco Refinery

March 16, 2012 7:13 AM

Tom McGarrigle speaking at podium. (Credit: David Madden)

Reporting David Madden

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By David Madden

MARCUS HOOK, Pa. (CBS) – Delaware County has authorized a $100,000 study to look into potential new uses for the shut-down Sunoco oil refinery in Marcus Hook.

County Council chairman Tom McGarrigle expects findings from the Industrial Development Authority in a couple months.

“We hope this study will provide guidance for the county, state officials and the local municipality, plus the property owner, to make an informed decision about the future use of the Sunoco refinery property.”

He made the announcement in the shadow of not only the closed Sunoco facility, but the idled ConocoPhillips plant, which is not part of this study.

Why? It’s a matter of the companies deciding whether to get out of refining at both sites.

“Sunoco has completed their process and it’s now time to seek new opportunities. ConocoPhillips’s process is still continuing.”

Hopes are to bring new business to this community, which is bracing for a major hit to its earned income tax base next year. But, there is still some optimism for the Conoco plant, since there’s quiet talk that there may be someone interested in buying the Trainer refinery.

Delaware County Authorizes $100k Study To Find New Uses For Sunoco Refinery

surf caster

The huge expanse of land from either or both refineries could be put to great use. Make Marcus Hook the nation’s(world’s) premier location for manufacturing solar photovoltaic materials that will successfully compete with what is presently on the market(made in China). With the proper mix of local,state and FEDERAL incentives the right package could be put together to embrace the latest cost-effective technologies for manufacturing,R&D, testing and production.
This is a HUGE OPPORTUNITY for a WIN-WIN-WIN…on several fronts to make a real impact…jobs in Marcus Hook, leadership in renewable energy, reduced dependence on foreign oil…and on the land that really may be unsuitable for anything else..put solar photovoltaic arrays to reduce electricity burden..generate clean energy..and serve a testing ground for the manufacturing facility. Time is wasting..there’s work to be done!!

surf caster

Almost forgot..the proximity to the Delaware River will facilitate transportation of raw materials and finished product (exports)via ship and barge..and a rail line goes right thru there also. All positive things for manufacturing.
AMERICA NEEDS TO MAKE THINGS AGAIN!!! and MAKE THEM BETTER THAN ANYBODY ELSE!! WE NEED TO WAKE UP !! AND STAND UP!! FOR OURSELVES AS A COUNTRY UNITED!! LET”S TURN IT AROUND PEOPLE!!!
“Made in the U.S.A.”…an idea whose time has come.

pa4162

If they use this to store Natural Gas, you DO realize, after it’s complete, it will only employ approx. 25 people? Compared to the 500-600 who are now standing in the unemployment line. Drop in the bucket! What a joke! Huge waste!
TMac

why is the county wasting money on this? Sunoco has plans for the site to be used as a terminal, just like they did with the Eagle Point facility in West Deptford, NJ.