Community complaints intensify
Is the Arkansas River being contaminated near HF Sinclair’s West Tulsa refinery? Some residents believe so, but the company insists otherwise.
At two recent public meetings hosted by HF Sinclair, residents raised concerns about visible oil sheens and orange-colored water in the river. Neighbors also told Fox23 they have endured strong chemical odors after rainfalls for years. Many worry that contamination may have lingered for decades without a permanent solution.
Company response and mitigation measures
HF Sinclair acknowledged the refinery’s long history of spills but maintains that safeguards are in place. According to representatives, booms remain in the river at the West Refinery to contain any sheens, and company crews inspect them three times each week.
The company has not committed to installing a containment cap, similar to projects completed at its East Refinery in 2022 and 2024. The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) previously said those containment caps stopped visible sheens at the East site.
Broader Arkansas River environmental concerns
The Arkansas River is a critical waterway for Tulsa and downstream communities. Environmental advocates argue that any risk of pollution should be taken seriously given the refinery’s long industrial footprint on the west side of Tulsa.
Community members have called for clearer communication from both the refinery and regulators, urging more transparent testing data. DEQ has not yet announced whether further oversight or corrective measures will be required.
📌 Source: Reported originally by Fox23 Tulsa. Edited and expanded by Oklahoma Energy Today for clarity, context
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