By the OGJ Online Staff
HOUSTON, Jan. 15 -- The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommended fines of more than $259,000 for Motiva Enterprises LLC for problems relating to a July 2001 fatal incident at its then-152,000 b/d Delaware City, Del, refinery.
The explosion of a sulfuric acid storage tank killed one person and injured eight July 17 (OGJ Online, Aug. 1, 2001).
OSHA alleges Motiva Enterprises failed to inspect, repair, and provide proper covers for tanks at the oil refinery, which now has capacity of 175,000 b/d.
Motiva was cited for 10 alleged violations in all.
"Motiva strongly disagrees with OSHA's citations, including the proposed characterizations of the alleged violations. Motiva intends to vigorously defend itself against these citations. Motiva and its employees never acted to violate OSHA requirements. In addition, some of the measures proposed by OSHA have already been addressed," said company officials.
"OSHA's investigation is only a part of the overall review into the July 17 incident. There are other active investigations underway to determine the cause of the incident. We remain committed to continue cooperating fully with federal and state agencies to conclude these investigations of the accident in a fair and timely manner," they said.
Washington Group International, the Cleveland subcontractor that employed the workers who were welding and cutting metal above the tank when it exploded, also was cited for two alleged serious violations, with proposed penalties of $14,000.
The companies have 15 working days to comply, to request an informal conference with the OSHA area director, or to contest the citations and proposed penalties before the Independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
