Submitted Ideas

Outdated Sicilian oil refinery contaminating ocean, seafood, land, and air – birth defects & cancer

Posted by Vanessa Perkins | California, United States

Just visited Sicily (7 UNESCO World Heritage sites on this island!) and learned about the terrible contamination from the oil refinery in Augusta, right near the iconic Siricusa. We have heard about the contamination of the Mediterranean, but it was deeply concerning to learn about the oil refinery (Exxon) that contaminates the surrounding coastal ecosystem, seafood, air, and groundwater. Sicily is known for its natural beauty, architecture, and FOOD, but so much of it is contaminated as soon as you leave a tourist site (including the famous food!). What can be done to reduce pollution and improve the Sicilian coastline?