Wood River Refinery Lawsuit [August 2026 Update]

The Wood River Refinery, located in Roxana, Illinois, has been a significant source of employment and economic activity for the region.

However, its operations have also led to environmental contamination, notably through the release of hazardous chemicals such as benzene, which have adversely affected both workers and nearby residents.

Benzene, a volatile organic compound found in crude oil and gasoline, is a well-established human carcinogen.

Certain health conditions have been observed among individuals living near or working at the Wood River Refinery, highlighting the potential risks associated with prolonged benzene exposure.

Scientific studies have demonstrated a correlation between benzene exposure and an increased risk of hematological malignancies.

For instance, research published in the Environmental Health journal indicates that even low-level exposure to benzene can elevate the risk of leukemia among refinery workers.

A systematic review and meta-analysis have confirmed the association between residential proximity to petrochemical facilities and higher incidences of blood cancers.

Lawsuits have been initiated in response to these health concerns.

In one case, a Wood River resident filed a lawsuit alleging that benzene emissions from local refineries, including the Wood River Refinery, contributed to his development of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Gianaris Trial Lawyers have also secured settlements for residents affected by underground benzene plumes, providing financial compensation for property damage and health-related issues.

Communities residing near industrial facilities like the Wood River Refinery must be informed of potential risks and have access to legal avenues for redress.

What Toxic Chemicals Have Community Members and Workers Been Exposed To?

The Wood River Refinery is a major facility that processes crude oil into various products, including gasoline, diesel, aviation fuel, and petrochemical feedstocks.

Its operations involve multiple complex processes that can release hazardous substances into the environment, affecting both workers and nearby communities.

Petroleum refineries like Wood River employ several key processes:

• Crude Oil Distillation: Separates crude oil into fractions based on boiling points.
• Catalytic Reforming: Converts low-octane hydrocarbons into high-octane gasoline components, producing aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, and xylene.
• Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC): Breaks down heavier hydrocarbons into lighter ones like gasoline and olefins.
• Hydrotreating: Removes sulfur and other impurities using hydrogen.
• Coking Units: Processes residual oils into lighter products and petroleum coke.

These processes can release various toxic chemicals into the air, water, and soil, posing health risks to individuals in the vicinity.

Community members and workers at the Wood River Refinery may be exposed to several hazardous substances, including:

• Benzene: A known human carcinogen linked to leukemia and other blood disorders.
• Toluene: Can affect the central nervous system, causing headaches and dizziness.
• Ethylbenzene: Exposure may lead to respiratory issues and dizziness.
• Xylene: Can cause headaches, nausea, and respiratory problems.
• Hexane: Prolonged exposure may lead to nerve damage.
• Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂): Irritates the respiratory system and can exacerbate asthma.
• Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): Contribute to smog formation and respiratory issues.
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): A group of chemicals that can cause various health effects, including cancer.

These substances can be released through routine operations, equipment leaks, and accidental spills, leading to contamination of the surrounding environment.

Health Conditions Linked to Wood River Refinery Exposure

Exposure to toxic chemicals from the Wood River Refinery has been associated with a range of serious health conditions affecting both workers and nearby residents.

Scientific studies and lawsuits have highlighted the following health issues linked to such exposures:

• Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): A cancer of the blood and bone marrow, AML has been strongly associated with benzene exposure. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies benzene as a known human carcinogen, and studies have shown that even low-level exposure can increase the risk of AML.
• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL): Exposure to benzene and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) has been linked to an increased risk of NHL. Residents living near petrochemical facilities have reported higher incidences of this cancer.
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): Long-term exposure to benzene has been implicated in the development of CLL, a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow.
• Aplastic Anemia: This rare but serious condition, where the body stops producing enough new blood cells, has been associated with benzene exposure.
• Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS): These are a group of disorders caused by poorly formed or dysfunctional blood cells, and benzene exposure is a known risk factor.
• Birth Defects and Developmental Disorders: Communities near oil refineries have reported higher rates of birth defects and developmental issues, potentially linked to exposure to toxic emissions.
• Respiratory Issues: Inhalation of pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and particulate matter from refinery emissions can lead to chronic respiratory problems, including asthma and bronchitis.

Ongoing monitoring and legal actions aim to address these issues and provide relief to affected individuals.

Gianaris Trial Lawyers has a proven track record of securing significant results for residents of Roxana affected by toxic exposures.

In a landmark case, the firm, alongside attorney John Simmons, achieved a $4.48 million settlement for 183 property owners whose homes were contaminated by an underground plume of benzene, hexane, and other hazardous chemicals linked to the Wood River Refinery.

This settlement was structured to preserve the rights of residents to pursue future claims related to personal injuries or illnesses.

Further demonstrating their commitment, Gianaris Trial Lawyers represented a client diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, securing a confidential settlement after establishing a connection between the illness and neighborhood chemical exposures.

The firm continues to advocate for Roxana residents, including representing individuals like Susan Lamka, who developed Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma allegedly due to prolonged exposure to refinery-related toxins.

Gianaris Trial Lawyers remains at the forefront of holding polluters accountable and seeking justice for those harmed by environmental negligence.

The Wood River Refinery has played a pivotal role in the American petroleum industry for over a century.

Established by Royal Dutch Shell in 1917, the refinery has undergone numerous expansions, ownership changes, and technological advancements, reflecting the evolving landscape of energy production and refining in the United States.

Below is a timeline of events related to the Wood River Refinery:

• 1912: Royal Dutch Shell forms Roxana Petroleum Company in Oklahoma to explore and produce crude oil.
• 1917: Construction begins on the Wood River Refinery on 172 acres of farmland in Illinois, strategically located near rail lines and the Mississippi River.
• 1918: The refinery commences operations, processing crude oil delivered via a newly constructed pipeline from Oklahoma.
• 1938: Shell builds a 450-mile gasoline pipeline from Wood River to Ohio, enhancing distribution efficiency.
• 1940: An expansion increases the refinery’s daily processing capacity to 75,000 barrels.
• 1940s: During World War II, the refinery adds alkylation and toluene units to produce high-octane aviation fuel and TNT precursors, earning multiple Army-Navy “E” awards for wartime production excellence.
• 1945: Refinery capacity reaches 90,000 barrels per day.
• 1948: Wood River Oil and Refining Company constructs a products pipeline to Rockford, Illinois.
• 1960s–1970s: The refinery undergoes modernization, including the addition of catalytic cracking units and other technological advancements to improve efficiency and product yield.
• 1999: The refinery employs approximately 1,050 people, including 640 union employees.
• 2000: Tosco Corporation acquires the refinery from Equilon Enterprises LLC (Shell) for $420 million, marking a significant ownership change.
• 2002: Phillips Petroleum Company merges with Conoco Inc., forming ConocoPhillips, which assumes ownership of the refinery.
• 2004: ConocoPhillips restarts the Hartford distilling unit and coker, integrating them with Wood River operations under the designation Distilling West.
• 2007: WRB Refining, LLC is formed as a joint venture between ConocoPhillips and Encana (later Cenovus Energy), with the refinery becoming part of this partnership.
• 2011: Completion of the $3.8 billion Coker and Refinery Expansion (CORE) project enhances the refinery’s capacity to process heavy crude oils, particularly from Canadian oil sands.
• 2014: Phillips 66 announces further expansion plans, including the construction of two fractionation columns, a new boiler, a cooling tower, and additional storage tanks, expected to employ approximately 750 union construction workers.
• 2017: Cenovus Energy acquires ConocoPhillips’ interest in the joint venture, becoming the sole owner of the assets.
• 2025: The refinery undergoes a planned maintenance turnaround, including work on the 170,000-bpd crude distillation unit, 50,000-bpd vacuum flasher, 42,000-bpd catalytic cracker unit, and associated gas plant units, expected to continue until late April.

Today, the Wood River Refinery possesses a processing capacity of approximately 173,000 barrels per day.

Exposure to toxic chemicals like benzene has been linked to leukemia, lymphoma, and other serious illnesses among residents and refinery workers.

Many individuals impacted by this contamination have been forced to undergo lifelong medical treatment or face a significantly shortened life expectancy.

A lawsuit may be appropriate if you were diagnosed with a qualifying condition after prolonged proximity to refinery operations.

This includes not only former employees but also Roxana residents who lived near the underground benzene plume.

Eligibility may also extend to those who lost family members to cancer or other fatal illnesses connected to refinery exposure.

If you meet these criteria, you may be entitled to financial compensation through a suit against Shell Oil Company or other responsible entities.

Our firm is currently reviewing cases and helping families determine whether they qualify based on medical records, residency history, and documented exposure.

Gathering Evidence for a Toxic Exposure Claim

Proving a toxic exposure claim requires strong evidence linking your illness or condition to hazardous substances released by the refinery.

This often involves medical records, environmental data, and proof of residency or employment near the contaminated site.

Our legal team helps clients gather and organize the documentation necessary to support their case.

Examples of evidence for a toxic exposure claim include:

• Medical records showing a diagnosis of cancer or related illness
• Employment history at the Wood River Refinery or nearby facilities
• Residential history near the refinery or within known contamination zones
• Air, soil, or water testing results indicating the presence of hazardous chemicals
• Expert medical opinions linking the illness to chemical exposure
• Government or EPA reports documenting contamination from the refinery
• Witness statements from coworkers, neighbors, or medical providers
• Historical maps or property records confirming proximity to the refinery
• Records of cleanup efforts or remediation orders involving Shell Oil Company or other operators

Potential Damages in a Wood River Refinery Claim

In a toxic exposure lawsuit, damages refer to the financial compensation a person may receive for the harm they’ve suffered due to chemical contamination.

In the case of the Wood River Refinery, many residents and workers have been burdened with costly medical bills and the emotional weight of serious, often life-altering diagnoses.

Compensation in these claims can cover both tangible losses (like lost income) and intangible harms such as pain, suffering, and mental anguish.

Each case is unique, but our firm works to secure the full range of damages available under Illinois law.

Potential Damages in a Wood River Refinery Claim include:

• Past and future medical bills
• Costs of ongoing treatment, monitoring, or medications
• Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish and emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of companionship or support in wrongful death cases
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Property damage related to contamination

Gianaris Trial Lawyers is actively investigating claims of toxic exposure linked to the Wood River Refinery.

Our legal team is reviewing the refinery’s long history of chemical leaks, benzene plumes, and environmental violations in Roxana and surrounding areas.

We are working closely with medical experts, environmental consultants, and affected families to build strong, evidence-backed cases.

As a firm with a track record of securing justice for communities harmed by corporate negligence, we understand both the legal and personal toll these exposures can cause.

If you believe your illness—or a loved one’s—may be tied to refinery contamination, we want to hear your story.

Contact Gianaris Trial Lawyers today for a free, confidential consultation and learn whether you qualify for legal action.