The refinery came back to business last winter after almost ten years of closure. However, the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) ordered to shut it down in early May after a series of incidents when the plant sprayed neighborhoods with a petroleum mist.
"Limetree Bay Energy (“Limetree Bay” or the “Company”) today announced that it is suspending its plans to restart the refinery indefinitely, due to severe financial constraint", the company said in a statement.
Last Wednesday, EPA gave the company two weeks to provide a plan to establish an air monitoring system.
"Regrettably, the Company has been unable to secure the necessary funding and will be required to reduce the refinery’s workforce by approximately 271 employees, effective September 19, 2021", Limetree Bay said.
Oil storage terminal, operated by the same company, will continue operating, the statement read.
The refinery provided more than 400 jobs to residents, according to the company’s website.