ST. CROIX REFINERY SETTLEMENT CLAIMS GET TWO EXTRA WEEKS

ST. CROIX. People and businesses affected by the Limetree Bay Refinery's 2021 pollution incidents now have until November 17, 2026, to file for compensation under seven proposed settlements worth nearly $60 million. The filing window was pushed back by 14 days from its original November 3 date.

The settlement administrator posted the revised deadline on its official website but has not disclosed why the extension was granted or when it was decided. The Consortium first reported on October 15 that claimants faced a November 3 cutoff.

The settlements target losses from hazardous releases during the refinery's unsuccessful restart in 2021. Plaintiffs say the emissions of gases, oil droplets and other toxic materials damaged property, fouled water systems, triggered health issues and created financial hardship across western St. Croix. The defendants involved have denied any breach of law or responsibility.

Eligibility covers property owners and renters in the designated zone from February 3, 2021 onward, as well as anyone who lived, worked or spent time there between February 3 and May 26, 2021, and can show harm from the refinery events.

Compensation categories include structural damage, fouled cisterns, lost income, physical and mental health impacts, and out-of-pocket costs. A points-based formula will set individual payouts based on approved claims and money left after court fees.

Claimants can file online at www.LimetreeBaySettlement.com, mail forms to the Limetree Bay Settlement Administrator at P.O. Box 2420, Portland, OR 97208-2420, or email [email protected]. Walk-in help is offered at 27 Whim in Frederiksted and the Computer Solutions Building in Five Corners, Christiansted. Those without a mailed notice can ring 1-888-859-9973.

The extension does not alter the October 27 deadlines for withdrawing from the settlements or filing objections, both of which have now passed. U.S. District Judge Mark A. Kearney will hold a hearing on December 14, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at the federal courthouse on St. Croix to decide whether to grant final approval. Once approved, payouts will arrive within 120 days after the agreements take effect and any appeals are finished or time to appeal runs out.