Community

Group photo with people in construction gear

We’re a Community

Hey, Neighbor!

To be successful, The Bellwether District needs to support the community it’s joining. That’s why we’re engaging directly with the people of Philadelphia, leveraging our expertise and innovative solutions to create positive change for generations. Here you can get the latest news and information on The Bellwether District, including construction notices, community meeting details, and local updates.

  • At the Bellwether District...

  • Community

  • Environmental

  • Development

Last year, HRP executives gave us an inside look at The Bellwether District. A lot of work needed to be done to transform it from an oil refinery to a 1300-acre state-of-the-art e-commerce, life science, and logistics campus. Watch the update video to find out what we've done since then.

What’s Changed at The Bellwether District

After taking ownership of the former PES refinery in 2020, Hilco Redevelopment Partners has worked to transform the 1300-acre property and are committed to improve the environment for all Philadelphians.

Environmental remediation is a complex process. It takes years, but Hilco Redevelopment Partners is committed to the hard work of cleaning and dismantling the former PES refinery and transforming it into The Bellwether District. We specialize in challenging remediation projects just like this and we’re in it for the long haul.

Here's What We've Done So Far

Reduced Philly’s Emissions by 16%

Removed 99% of Legacy Petroleum Products

Committed to Building Facilities that Support Solar Panels

Removed More Than 90% of Pipeline

Collaborating with Local Community Groups to Build a Greener and Healthier Philadelphia

Committed to Planting Thousands of New Trees

The Bellwether District and Philadelphia Eagles Team Up to Celebrate Earth Day

Our team celebrated Earth Day 2023 with the Philadelphia Eagles at Finnegan Playground celebrating Sustainability Heroes in Philadelphia. HRP awarded $75,000 to local environmental nonprofits in a ceremony that followed our Earth Day community cleanup to re-paint, re-plant, refresh and revitalize the park with local nonprofit organizations and community volunteers. Read more here.

A group poses with a giant check made out to Touchdown for Sustainability

Community Updates

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  • Community Meeting Logs
  • Updates
Community Meeting Logs
March 26, 2024

Community Meeting: 03.26.24

Updates
February 13, 2024

The Bellwether District Dispatch, February 2024

Community Meeting Logs
February 12, 2024

Community Meeting: 02.12.24

Updates
November 30, 2023

The Bellwether District Dispatch, November 2023

Community Meeting Logs
November 14, 2023

Community Meeting: 11.14.23

Community Meeting Logs
September 26, 2023

Community Meeting: 9.26.23

Community Meeting Logs
August 2, 2023

In-Person Philly Thrive Meeting 8.2.23

Community Meeting Logs
June 13, 2023

Community Meeting: 06.13.23

Updates
May 22, 2023

Joint Statement from Northstar and HRP Regarding Incident on MAY 22, 2023

Community Meeting Logs
March 28, 2023

Community Meeting: 3.28.23

Community Meeting Logs
December 7, 2022

Community Meeting: 12.7.22

Community Meeting Logs
November 15, 2022

Community Meeting: 11.15.22

Community Meeting Logs
September 20, 2022

Community Meeting: 9.20.22

Updates
June 3, 2022

6.3.22 Hilco Redevelopment Partners (HRP) & The United South/Southwest Joint Statement

Updates
May 1, 2022

The Bellwether District Dispatch, May 2022

Updates
January 18, 2022

Air Permit FAQ

Updates
January 1, 2022

The Bellwether District Dispatch, January 2022

Updates
October 22, 2021

Join The Bellwether District for “Boo! on the Breeze”

Community Meeting Logs
October 12, 2021

Community Meeting 10.12.21

Updates
September 1, 2021

HRP Public Informational Meeting: Title V (Air) Permits Proposed Modifications

Community Meeting Logs
September 1, 2021

Community Meeting: 9.1.21

Updates
August 17, 2021

Plain Language Document for PESRM Title V Operating Permit Renewal and Modification Applications

Updates
July 1, 2021

The Bellwether District Dispatch, June-July 2021

Community Meeting Logs
June 3, 2021

Community Meeting: 6.3.21

Updates
April 1, 2021

The Bellwether District Dispatch, March-April 2021

Updates
January 1, 2021

The Bellwether District Dispatch, January 2021

Updates
November 1, 2020

The Bellwether District Dispatch, November 2020

Updates
October 28, 2020

The Potential Economic Impact of the Redevelopment of the PES Refinery

Community Meeting Logs
October 14, 2020

Community Meeting: 10.14.20

Updates
September 1, 2020

The Bellwether District Dispatch, September 2020

Julianna Connolly is HRP's expert in environmental remediation. In this video she answers common questions about benzene monitoring, remediation technology, and the ways environmental cleanup is transforming The Bellwether District.

Environmental Reports

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  • Air Monitoring
  • Benzene Monitoring
  • Remediation
  • Soil Management
  • Tank Closure
Air Monitoring
April 12, 2024

Air Monitoring Monthly Data Report – March 2024

Air Monitoring
March 13, 2024

Air Monitoring Monthly Data Report – February 2024

Remediation
March 12, 2024

Notice of Intent to Remediate – No. 4 Separator Release

Remediation
March 5, 2024

Notice of Intent to Remediate – 2016 Release East of former Tank PB 253

Remediation
March 1, 2024

Final Report – 860 Unit Cooling Tower and Hartranft Street

Remediation
March 1, 2024

Remedial Investigation and Final Report – Pipeline Release PB 881 Dike Roadway

Air Monitoring
February 23, 2024

The Bellwether District Perimeter Air Monitoring Plan – Revision 001

Tank Closure
February 20, 2024

Site Characterization Report Approval – Tank No. 022A

Tank Closure
February 20, 2024

Tank Group 07A Closure Report

Air Monitoring
February 19, 2024

Air Monitoring Monthly Data Report – January 2024

Remediation
February 15, 2024

Semi-Annual Remediation Status Report

Remediation
February 9, 2024

Revised Supplement to the Hazardous Waste Closure Plan

Tank Closure
January 17, 2024

Site Characterization Report Approval – Tank 056A

Air Monitoring
January 16, 2024

Air Monitoring Monthly Data Report – December 2023

Tank Closure
January 2, 2024

Abbreviated Site Characterization Report – Tank No. 022A

Air Monitoring
January 2, 2024

Air Monitoring Monthly Data Report – November 2023

Air Monitoring
December 11, 2023

Air Monitoring Monthly Data Report – October 2023

Remediation
December 6, 2023

Hazardous Waste Closure Plan Supplement

Remediation
November 6, 2023

Remedial Investigation and Final Report – Pipeline Release PB 881 Dike Roadway

Air Monitoring
October 30, 2023

Air Monitoring Monthly Data Report – September 2023

Tank Closure
September 21, 2023

Revised Tank Group 05 Closure Report Addendum

Air Monitoring
August 22, 2023

Air Monitoring Monthly Data Report – July 2023

Remediation
August 15, 2023

Semi-Annual Remediation Status Report

Tank Closure
August 14, 2023

Tank Group 05 Closure Report Addendum

Tank Closure
August 14, 2023

Tank Group 06 Site Characterization Report Addendum

Soil Management
July 31, 2023

Soil Management Plan Addendum No. 5

Air Monitoring
July 24, 2023

Air Monitoring Monthly Data Report – June 2023

Tank Closure
July 9, 2023

Tank Group 03 Site Characterization Report Disapproval

Tank Closure
June 30, 2023

Site Characterization Report – Tank Group 06

Air Monitoring
June 23, 2023

Air Monitoring Monthly Data Report – May 2023

Remediation
June 20, 2023

Notice of Intent to Remediate – PB 881 Dike Roadway

Soil Management
May 9, 2023

Soil Management Plan Addendum No. 4

Tank Closure
May 5, 2023

Tank Group 04 Site Characterization Report Disapproval

Tank Closure
May 5, 2023

Tank Group 07 Site Characterization Report Disapproval

Tank Closure
May 3, 2023

Aboveground Storage Tank Closure Work Plan Addendum – Tank Group 09

Air Monitoring
May 1, 2023

Bellwether District Air Monitoring Plan

Tank Closure
April 26, 2023

Site Characterization Report Addendum – Tank Group 04

Tank Closure
April 12, 2023

Abbreviated Site Characterization Report – Tank No. 56A

Tank Closure
March 13, 2023

Revised Site Characterization Report – Tank Group 03

Tank Closure
March 11, 2023

Tank Group 01 Site Characterization

Remediation
February 15, 2023

Semi-Annual Remediation Status Report

Tank Closure
February 6, 2023

Tank Group 04 Site Characterization Report

Tank Closure
February 6, 2023

Tank Group 07 Site Characterization Report

Benzene Monitoring
January 17, 2023

Benzene Fenceline Results – December 2022

Tank Closure
December 23, 2022

Tank Group 05 Site Characterization Report

Benzene Monitoring
December 13, 2022

Benzene Fenceline Results – November 2022

Soil Management
December 8, 2022

Soil Management Plan Addendum No. 3 – Industrial Phase 1B Area

Benzene Monitoring
November 11, 2022

Benzene Fenceline Results – October 2022

Benzene Monitoring
October 25, 2022

Benzene Fenceline Results – September 2022

Tank Closure
October 10, 2022

Preliminary Site Characterization Report Amendment – Tank No. 056A

Tank Closure
October 10, 2022

Preliminary Site Characterization Report – Tank No. 056A

Benzene Monitoring
September 19, 2022

Benzene Fenceline Results – August 2022

Remediation
September 15, 2022

Disapproval of Final Report – 860 Unit Cooling Tower and Hartranft Street

Tank Closure
August 30, 2022

Tank Group 03 Site Characterization Report Disapproval

Tank Closure
August 25, 2022

Tank Group 03 Chapter 245 Technical Memo Summary

Benzene Monitoring
August 24, 2022

Benzene Fenceline Results – July 2022

Soil Management
August 23, 2022

Technical Memorandum – Soil Sampling Plan, GP Hazardous Waste Storage Pad and Spent Caustic Tanks

Soil Management
August 5, 2022

Soil Management Plan Addendum No. 2

Benzene Monitoring
July 19, 2022

Benzene Fenceline Results – June 2022

Remediation
July 19, 2022

Revised Final Report – 860 Unit Cooling Tower and Hartranft Street

Remediation
July 19, 2022

Response to Letter of Technical Deficiency – 860 Unit Cooling Tower and Hartranft Street

Tank Closure
July 1, 2022

Tank Group 02 Chapter 245 Technical Memo Summary

Tank Closure
July 1, 2022

Tank Group 02 Site Characterization Report Disapproval

Benzene Monitoring
June 28, 2022

Benzene Fenceline Results – May 2022

Benzene Monitoring
June 14, 2022

Environmental Update: Benzene Monitoring

Tank Closure
June 8, 2022

Tank Group 03 Site Characterization Report

Tank Closure
June 6, 2022

Tank Group 01 Site Characterization Report Remedial Action Plan Disapproval

Tank Closure
June 3, 2022

Tank Group 01 Chapter 245 Technical Memo Summary

Remediation
May 20, 2022

Letter of Technical Deficiency, Final Report – 860 Unit Cooling Tower and Hartranft Street

Tank Closure
May 20, 2022

Tank Group 02 Site Characterization Report Addendum

Benzene Monitoring
May 1, 2022

Benzene Fenceline Results – April 2022

Tank Closure
April 18, 2022

Tank Group 02 Site Characterization Report

Tank Closure
April 18, 2022

Tank Group 01 Remedial Action Plan

Benzene Monitoring
April 1, 2022

Benzene Fenceline Results – March 2022

Remediation
March 22, 2022

Final Report – 860 Unit Cooling Tower and Hartranft Street

Benzene Monitoring
March 11, 2022

Benzene Fenceline Results – January 2022

Remediation
March 11, 2022

Notice of Intent to Remediate – Dike Roadway

Remediation
March 11, 2022

Notice of Intent to Remediate – Girard Point

Remediation
March 11, 2022

Notice of Intent to Remediate – Point Breeze

Remediation
March 11, 2022

Notice of Intent to Remediate – 860 Hartranft

Remediation
March 11, 2022

Semi-Annual Remediation Status Report

Soil Management
March 11, 2022

Soil Management Plan Addendum No. 1

Benzene Monitoring
March 1, 2022

Benzene Fenceline Results- February 2022

Benzene Monitoring
February 15, 2022

Benzene Fenceline Results – 2018 Through 2021

Benzene Monitoring
February 15, 2022

Benzene Fenceline Results – December 2021

Remediation
August 26, 2021

PAPEP Letter

Remediation
June 14, 2021

Naphtha Release Area RIR and Final Report

Remediation
June 10, 2021

Notice of Intent to Remediate

Tank Closure
March 1, 2021

Aboveground Storage Tank Closure Work Plan

Soil Management
June 18, 2020

Soil Management Plan PADEP Approval Letter

Soil Management
June 15, 2020

Final Soil Management Plan

HRP is responsible for cleaning up soil and groundwater contamination that occurred at the property after September 2012. This cleanup work will be completed under Pennsylvania’s Voluntary Cleanup Program referred to as the Land Recycling Program or Act 2. Reports associated with HRP’s soil and groundwater remediation work are shared on this page.

Reports associated with cleanup of contamination that occurred prior to September 2012 are shared on Evergreen’s website: https://phillyrefinerycleanup.info

Remediation
March 12, 2024

Notice of Intent to Remediate – No. 4 Separator Release

Remediation
March 5, 2024

Notice of Intent to Remediate – 2016 Release East of former Tank PB 253

Remediation
March 1, 2024

Final Report – 860 Unit Cooling Tower and Hartranft Street

Remediation
March 1, 2024

Remedial Investigation and Final Report – Pipeline Release PB 881 Dike Roadway

Remediation
February 15, 2024

Semi-Annual Remediation Status Report

Remediation
February 9, 2024

Revised Supplement to the Hazardous Waste Closure Plan

Remediation
December 6, 2023

Hazardous Waste Closure Plan Supplement

Remediation
November 6, 2023

Remedial Investigation and Final Report – Pipeline Release PB 881 Dike Roadway

Remediation
August 15, 2023

Semi-Annual Remediation Status Report

Remediation
June 20, 2023

Notice of Intent to Remediate – PB 881 Dike Roadway

Remediation
February 15, 2023

Semi-Annual Remediation Status Report

Remediation
September 15, 2022

Disapproval of Final Report – 860 Unit Cooling Tower and Hartranft Street

Remediation
July 19, 2022

Revised Final Report – 860 Unit Cooling Tower and Hartranft Street

Remediation
July 19, 2022

Response to Letter of Technical Deficiency – 860 Unit Cooling Tower and Hartranft Street

Remediation
May 20, 2022

Letter of Technical Deficiency, Final Report – 860 Unit Cooling Tower and Hartranft Street

Remediation
March 22, 2022

Final Report – 860 Unit Cooling Tower and Hartranft Street

Remediation
March 11, 2022

Notice of Intent to Remediate – Dike Roadway

Remediation
March 11, 2022

Notice of Intent to Remediate – Girard Point

Remediation
March 11, 2022

Notice of Intent to Remediate – Point Breeze

Remediation
March 11, 2022

Notice of Intent to Remediate – 860 Hartranft

Remediation
March 11, 2022

Semi-Annual Remediation Status Report

Remediation
August 26, 2021

PAPEP Letter

Remediation
June 14, 2021

Naphtha Release Area RIR and Final Report

Remediation
June 10, 2021

Notice of Intent to Remediate

As part of redevelopment, soil will be relocated to raise the ground surface elevations above base flood elevations. Prior to acquiring the property, HRP submitted a Soil Management Plan to PADEP and USEPA for their approval. The Soil Management Plan establishes requirements for soil sample collection and analysis to identify where soils can be appropriately relocated. The Soil Management Plan is not a Cleanup Plan; Cleanup Plans will be submitted separately and will be available for public comment. Reports associated with soil management, including the 2020 Soil Management Plan, are shared on this page.

As part of redevelopment, HRP will remove hundreds of storage tanks. Soil sampling is required beneath Aboveground Storage Tanks to obtain regulatory closure under the Pennsylvania’s Storage Tank Program (Act 32). Reports associated with tank closure sampling are shared on this page.

Tank Closure
February 20, 2024

Site Characterization Report Approval – Tank No. 022A

Tank Closure
February 20, 2024

Tank Group 07A Closure Report

Tank Closure
January 17, 2024

Site Characterization Report Approval – Tank 056A

Tank Closure
January 2, 2024

Abbreviated Site Characterization Report – Tank No. 022A

Tank Closure
September 21, 2023

Revised Tank Group 05 Closure Report Addendum

Tank Closure
August 14, 2023

Tank Group 05 Closure Report Addendum

Tank Closure
August 14, 2023

Tank Group 06 Site Characterization Report Addendum

Tank Closure
July 9, 2023

Tank Group 03 Site Characterization Report Disapproval

Tank Closure
June 30, 2023

Site Characterization Report – Tank Group 06

Tank Closure
May 5, 2023

Tank Group 04 Site Characterization Report Disapproval

Tank Closure
May 5, 2023

Tank Group 07 Site Characterization Report Disapproval

Tank Closure
May 3, 2023

Aboveground Storage Tank Closure Work Plan Addendum – Tank Group 09

Tank Closure
April 26, 2023

Site Characterization Report Addendum – Tank Group 04

Tank Closure
April 12, 2023

Abbreviated Site Characterization Report – Tank No. 56A

Tank Closure
March 13, 2023

Revised Site Characterization Report – Tank Group 03

Tank Closure
March 11, 2023

Tank Group 01 Site Characterization

Tank Closure
February 6, 2023

Tank Group 04 Site Characterization Report

Tank Closure
February 6, 2023

Tank Group 07 Site Characterization Report

Tank Closure
December 23, 2022

Tank Group 05 Site Characterization Report

Tank Closure
October 10, 2022

Preliminary Site Characterization Report Amendment – Tank No. 056A

Tank Closure
October 10, 2022

Preliminary Site Characterization Report – Tank No. 056A

Tank Closure
August 30, 2022

Tank Group 03 Site Characterization Report Disapproval

Tank Closure
August 25, 2022

Tank Group 03 Chapter 245 Technical Memo Summary

Tank Closure
July 1, 2022

Tank Group 02 Chapter 245 Technical Memo Summary

Tank Closure
July 1, 2022

Tank Group 02 Site Characterization Report Disapproval

Tank Closure
June 8, 2022

Tank Group 03 Site Characterization Report

Tank Closure
June 6, 2022

Tank Group 01 Site Characterization Report Remedial Action Plan Disapproval

Tank Closure
June 3, 2022

Tank Group 01 Chapter 245 Technical Memo Summary

Tank Closure
May 20, 2022

Tank Group 02 Site Characterization Report Addendum

Tank Closure
April 18, 2022

Tank Group 02 Site Characterization Report

Tank Closure
April 18, 2022

Tank Group 01 Remedial Action Plan

Tank Closure
March 1, 2021

Aboveground Storage Tank Closure Work Plan

The HRP team hosted a groundbreaking ceremony in October 2023 to mark the start of vertical construction at The Bellwether District. Our best-in-class team was joined by civic and community leaders to celebrate the transformation of these 1,300 acres in South and Southwest Philadelphia into an economic engine for the region.