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U.S. EPA, ARCO SETTLE CLEAN AIR ACT VIOLATIONS

Release Date: 7/29/1999
Contact Information: Lois Grunwald, U.S. EPA(415) 744-1588

     SAN FRANCISCO -- ARCO has settled Clean Air Act violations for excess emissions of sulfur dioxide from its Carson refinery and for failing to practice good air pollution control practices, the U.S. EPA announced today.  ARCO has agreed to pay a civil penalty of $31,990 and will fund a $92,750 environmental project for the City of Carson to purchase clean fuel vehicles.  

     The clean fuel vehicles will help improve air quality in the City of Carson.  "EPA encourages creative projects to settle violations -- projects which invest directly into the affected community, helping to improve public health," said Dave Howekamp, regional director of EPA's Air Division.

     The City of Carson will use the money to purchase an electric vehicle, an electric vehicle charging station and two compressed natural gas passenger vans.  The vehicles will be used by city employees on official business and will replace three existing gasoline powered vehicles.

     ARCO had excess emissions of sulfur dioxide between April 1997 and January 1998. Maintenance problems with the plant's sulfur removal process resulted in the excess emissions. Breathing small amounts of sulfur dioxide over short periods can cause respiratory distress, especially in the elderly, children, or anyone with lung ailments.