In a major move toward increased transparency and potential accountability for corporate misconduct, four city councilors have pushed forward a comprehensive resolution regarding Zenith Energy Terminal Holdings, LLC. The resolution, which was introduced into the public record, demands a host of responses from city officials. It calls for an investigation into the company's franchise agreement compliance, and scrutinization of Zenith’s dealings and representations to the City of Portland. These actions come on the heels of various findings by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), which have pointed to unauthorized modifications at Zenith's fuel product trans-loading facilities.
The resolution, detailed on the Portland City Council's website, highlights the city's dedication to transparency and accountability as required by voters. It points out procedural issues and possible violations by Zenith, recommending a pause on any actions involving the company until investigations are completed. Previously, the DEQ fined Zenith $372,600 for unapproved activities and required compliance by certain dates. The documents also revealed discrepancies in Zenith's 2022 Land Use Compatibility Statement (LUCS), raising concerns about the accuracy and honesty of the company’s communications.
The directive further demands full disclosure of all communications between Zenith and city officials, allowing the public a peek behind the curtain into interactions often shrouded in bureaucratic darkness. Notwithstanding, the Portland Permitting & Development department is tasked with reevaluating Zenith's 2024 Greenway Review in light of new information stemming from DEQ's enforcement actions.
The Council also outlines the need for a thorough investigation by the City Auditor into the handling of Zenith's LUCS applications, a process which has been described as "abnormal" and "prejudicial to the public" by investigative reports. These findings have considerably undermined public confidence in the administrative process, according to the resolution’s extensive "whereas" clauses which portray a narrative of disregarded local regulations and potential impropriety. While Zenith's representatives remained tight-lipped in response to queries about their long-term expansion plans at a Council work session, records unexpectedly surfaced indicating prior communication of such plans with the City.
The full Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, February 19, will address these concerns. It will also determine a course of action to remedy past issues and ensure future accountability.
