In order to try to comply with the MOU from 1995 (which was supposed to be re-written and agreed to before the startup of the CFEP), ConocoPhillips has re-installed giant retro-reflector towers and devices known as TDLS or Tuned Diode Laser systems as part of the Fenceline reporting system. These had been removed a few years ago by agreement with the Community Working Group and were to be replaced with newer, better detectors for H2S (hydrogen sulfide). We no longer needed detectors for ammonia as that chemical was no longer used at the refinery.
Newer technology would be much less expensive to maintain as the costly gold-plated mirrors on the retro-reflectors don’t last long in a refinery environment. Also, the TDLS technology was proven to be a useless detector in general. We know this because of the findings of an audit of the fenceline system by the EPA in 2000 and a report published in 2001.
There are already sensitive ground level monitors for H2S in place at the refinery, and the report recommends that their data be made available to the fenceline. The refinery has denied all requests for this.
What follows is the pertinent section of that report (which was presented to the refinery and the county in 2001).
HOW THE GRINCH STOLE THE DISTRICT
Everybody in Crockett liked education a lot
But the Grinch who lived just west of Crockett –did not.
The Grinch hated schools-the whole education season.
Oh please don’t ask why, no one knows the reason.
Oh, it could be that his budget was too tight.
It could be that his head wasn’t screwed on just right.
But I think in the end the best reason of all
Was that his heart was two sizes too small.
The Grinch said I’ll continue the GNA funding, it’s in my court
Just sign this EIR letter, indicating your support.
( Later, when no one’s looking, I can abort.)
I’ll comply with the land use permit before I start the plant
Whoops! I later discovered Houston tells me–I can’t.
I’ll throw a few coins and a little free food and soda
To try to cover up my foul body odor.
The Grinch opposed the school bond, signs came up overnight
Scared the voters with information, that was not nearly right.
That the Grinch stole the school is a real bummer.
Meanwhile the little town folk got dumber and dumber.
So the greedy Grinch gloated, “it’s all for the best”.
But can’t understand why new hires can’t pass our test.
Gosh, maybe he shoulda supported the schools
Then he’d have sharp people instead of these fools.
So now that he knows, too late, the real reason why.
I guess he’ll have to outsource over to Mumbai.
by Dr. H Adams with apologies to Dr. Seuss