Living near an oil refinery can bring many challenges. You have the right to clean air, clean water, and a safe environment. The owners of refineries have an obligation to respect these rights. When they don’t, you may face health risks or damage to your property. Let’s explore the rights and protections you have, and how you can take action if a refinery is impacting your life.
Your Rights as a Neighbor
As someone living next to a refinery, you have the right to breathe clean air and drink safe water. This is guaranteed by laws such as the Clean Air Act, which aims to protect air quality and public health. The law sets limits on how much pollution a refinery can emit into the air. If a refinery is following these rules, it should not harm the surrounding community.
You also have the right to live without being subjected to excessive noise or light pollution from the refinery. Refineries should take steps to minimize disturbances to nearby residents. This includes controlling the noise level of operations and providing adequate lighting to avoid creating a nuisance.
Obligations of Refinery Owners
Refinery owners have specific obligations to their neighboring community. They must comply with environmental regulations such as the Clean Air Act, which means regularly testing emissions and using pollution-control technology. They should also keep the community informed about any incidents or risks.
Refinery owners should take proactive measures to minimize the impact of their operations. This may include building barriers to reduce noise and placing trees or shrubs to buffer the area from fumes. In case of spills or accidents, they should respond quickly and take responsibility for any harm caused. Most importantly, refineries should work to comply with all regulations and be a good member of the community.
Taking Legal Action
If you believe a refinery is harming you or your property, you have the right to take legal action. Two common types of lawsuits are nuisance claims and personal injury claims.
Nuisance claims involve proving that the refinery is interfering with your use and enjoyment of your property. For example, if you are constantly exposed to foul odors, loud noises, or excessive lighting, you may have a nuisance claim.
Personal injury claims involve proving that the refinery’s operations have caused you harm, such as respiratory problems, skin irritations, or other health issues. You will need medical records and other evidence to support your claim.
How We Can Help
If you are facing issues with a refinery, our experienced legal team can help you navigate your options. We can investigate your case, gather evidence, and represent you. Your health and safety matter, and you deserve a clean, safe environment.
Contact us today to discuss your rights and how we can assist you in holding refinery owners accountable. Let’s work together to protect you and your community.
