Twin Ports mayors call on Superior refinery to stop using highly toxic chemical

May 02--The mayors of Superior and Duluth have called on Husky Energy, Inc., to stop using hydrogen fluoride at their oil refinery, citing reports that the highly toxic chemical could injure or kill up to 180,000 people in the Twin Ports if accidentally released.

The call comes after a panicked evacuation last Thursday of huge swaths of Superior due to an explosion that rocked the Husky refinery. A raging asphalt fire that broke out two hours later was less than 200 feet from the refinery's hydrogen fluoride tanks, according to firefighters.

Superior Mayor Jim Paine said Wednesday that he made the request to Husky CEO Rob Peabody in person on Tuesday. Duluth Mayor Emily Larson issued a news release saying she stands with Paine.

"It is horrifying to consider what could have happened," wrote Larson.

A few dozen refineries around the nation use hydrogen fluoride, also known as hydrofluoric acid, to refine petroleum, though safer alternatives exist.

Hydrogen fluoride is a fast-acting acid that can cause deep, severe burns or, with sufficient exposure, kill. Exposure can occur through inhalation and skin contact.

The chemical can permanently damage the eyes, skin, nose, throat, respiratory system and bones, according to a 2013 report issued by the United Steelworkers union, which represents many refinery workers. The Center for Public Integrity in a 2011 report also sounded alarms about the use of hydrogen flouride.

Paine said he asked Peabody to report back to him about the cost and infrastructure challenges that might prevent Husky from dropping their use of hydrogen fluoride. He also asked the company to disclose all safety measures they have in place to prevent the chemical from harming the public.

Thirteen people were injured in the refinery explosion. The evacuation order, which included all neighborhoods within a 3-mile radius of the refinery and 10 miles to the south of it, was lifted Friday morning.

Peabody pledged to rebuild and reopen the refinery at his meeting with Paine, according to the Superior mayor. Husky has also begun taking claims from local residents for losses incurred as a result of the explosion and fire. Some 170 claims have been filed so far, according to Paine.

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