EPA LEVIES DISCHARGE FINES ON 10 MAJORS

The Environmental Protection Agency has fined 10 major U.S. oil companies a combined $838,761 for discharging contaminated fluids from service stations into or above underground sources of drinking water. The companies consented to the proposed EPA administrative orders and fines. The EPA action covers more than 1,800 facilities in 49 states and territories.

July 29, 1991

2 min read

The companies consented to the proposed EPA administrative orders and fines. The EPA action covers more than 1,800 facilities in 49 states and territories.

The companies are charged with discharging contaminated fluids from automobile servicing into sinks and floor drains connected to shallow Class V injection units such as septic tanks, dry wells, or cesspools. Since 1984, EPA rules have banned the discharge of such contaminated waste into Class V units.

EPA said the action is the most extensive step it has taken to enforce groundwater rules under the Safe Water Drinking Act.

Amoco Oil Co. was fined $125,000, Ashland Oil Inc. $32,320, BP Oil Co. $73,873, Exxon Corp. $125,000, Marathon Oil Co. $36,937, Mobil Corp. $125,000, Shell Oil Co. $55,909, Sun Refining & Marketing Co. $125,000, Texaco Refining & Marketing Inc. $28,368, and Unocal Corp. $111,354.

When final, the orders will require closure and cleanup of injection units at company owned or operated service stations throughout the U.S. If necessary, the companies also must test surrounding groundwater and soil for contamination and may be held responsible for cleanup of those areas. Although EPA rules do not require it, the companies also agreed to implement waste minimization plans at violating sites.