ExxonMobil settles federal air pollution charges on Pacific islands
Two ExxonMobil Corp. subsidiaries in Guam and the Mariana Islands agreed to pay $2.4 million to settle federal charges they violated Clean Air Act provisions by failing to control emissions from their gasoline terminals, the US Department of Justice and Environmental Protection Agency jointly announced.
Nick Snow
OGJ Washington Editor
WASHINGTON, DC, May 3 -- Two ExxonMobil Corp. subsidiaries in Guam and the Mariana Islands agreed to pay $2.4 million to settle federal charges they violated Clean Air Act provisions by failing to control emissions from their gasoline terminals, the US Department of Justice and Environmental Protection Agency jointly announced.
Mobil Oil Guam Inc. and Mobil Oil Mariana Islands Inc. allegedly discharged volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from terminals on Cabras Island in Guam and in Saipan’s Lower Base area, DOJ and EPA said.
A settlement agreement was filed Apr. 16 with the US District Court in Guam. The settlement agreement remains subject to a 30-day comment period and final court approval.
Federal officials said the companies allegedly failed to install vapor pollution controls on 13 storage tanks and loading racks at gasoline storage units. The companies also allegedly failed to comply with pollution limits, install pollution monitors, and submit required reports, said a complaint filed with the settlement agreement.
The two ExxonMobil subsidiaries agreed to install air pollution controls, submit required reports, and obtain appropriate permits as part of the settlement, DOJ and EPA said.
The companies expect to spend more than $15 million to bring the 2 bulk gasoline terminals into CAA compliance, reducing their VOC discharges by close to 400 tons/year.
Contact Nick Snow at nicks@pennwell.com.
