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Compliance and Enforcement Annual Results:
Important Environmental Problems / National Priorities
FY2006 Annual Results Topics
Priority: Petroleum Refining
Problem: EPA identified the petroleum refining industry as a national priority to address the widespread environmental violations detected across the industry. Starting in the 1980s, significant expansion activity occurred at individual refineries, it was expected that state permits would include expanded requirements for addressing the increase in emissions; yet, this was not happening. In fact, the failure to meet the regulatory requirements addressing emissions increases as a result of facility expansion represented much of the non-compliance being identified in the industry. Ranked against 17 other sectors, annual air emissions from the petroleum refining sector were 1 st for volatile organic compounds, 1 st for sulfur dioxide, 2 nd for nitrogen oxide, 4 th for carbon monoxide, and 8 th for particulate matter (PM 10 ). Based on 1994 TRI data, annual average toxic emissions for these facilities were 422,904 pounds. The air pollutants released contribute to respiratory illness and heart disease, contribute to formation of acid rain, reduce visibility, and can be transported over long distances before deposition on land or water.
Key Results :
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At the end of FY 2006 85 refineries, operating in 25 states, representing nearly 77% of domestic refining capacity, are now subject to pollution reduction agreements; negotiations are ongoing with refiners representing an additional 11% of capacity.
Case Highlights:
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In FY 2006 EPA reached a comprehensive Clean Air Act agreement with ExxonMobil that is expected to reduce harmful air emissions by more than 53,000 tons per year at the company's seven U.S. petroleum refineries. The seven refineries, located in five states, represent approximately 11 percent of the total refining capacity in the United States . Today's settlement is the 17th in a joint DOJ-EPA initiative to reduce pollution in domestic petroleum refineries nationwide, bringing nearly 77 percent of domestic refining capacity under consent decree.
- As a result of the agreement, emissions of nitrogen oxide (NO X ) will be reduced by nearly 11,000 tons per year and sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) by over 42,000 tons per year. In addition, the company will upgrade its leak detection and repair practices, minimize flaring of hazardous gases, reduce emissions from its sulfur recovery plants and adopt strategies to ensure the proper handling of hazardous benzene wastes at each refinery. ExxonMobil has estimated that the capital cost of the injunctive relief program will be approximately $571 million.
Annual Results by Fiscal Year:
FY2008 | FY2007 | FY2006 | FY2005 | FY2004 | FY2003 | FY2002 | FY2001 | FY2000 | FY1999