Wisconsin Refinery That Was Site Of Explosion Plans Rebuild

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SUPERIOR, Wis. (AP) -- Husky Energy says it's been given approval to rebuild its oil refinery in Superior, Wisconsin after an explosion and a series of fires last year injured 36 people and required much of the city to evacuate.

Husky says it will start the $400 million plan immediately with the goal of resuming partial operations in 2021.

Wisconsin Public Radio reports that residents and tribal leaders expressed frustration over Husky's plans to continue using the highly toxic chemical hydrogen fluoride as part of its refining process. But businesses and labor groups that spoke in support of a rebuild permit at an August hearing argued the refinery has economic benefits.

Husky has about 200 permanent jobs with a $27 million payroll.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources approved the permit.