Delaware City Refinery, Community Advisory Panel (CAP)
The Delaware City Refinery Community Advisory Panel (CAP) was established at the direction of Governor Ruth Ann Minner following the July 17, 2001 explosion that killed one refinery worker, injured eight others, and released 1.1 million gallons of sulfuric acid, 99,000 of which reached the Delaware River, killing fish and other aquatic life. Representatives from Delaware City, nearby homeowners associations and environmental groups are recruited to serve on the CAP.
The CAP meets monthly as a forum for communication. The refinery provides updates on operations, spills, leaks, accidents, etc. CAP Representatives are able to ask questions and try to push for changes such as reductions in water use, fish kills, etc.
Delaware Chapter Pollution Committee Chair Al Denio represents the Sierra Club on the CAP. Al was a chemistry professor and also worked for DuPont before retiring in Delaware.
