U.S. oil firms improve environmental record

The American Petroleum Institute has released the results of its annual oil industry environmental performance survey, revealing that U.S. oil firms are continuing to improve their environmental performance. The API data include survey responses and federal government statistics. Most figures are based on 1996 data, the most recent available.

June 15, 1998

3 min read

The API data include survey responses and federal government statistics. Most figures are based on 1996 data, the most recent available.

API said oil firms spent $8.2 billion on environmental measures in 1996, down from $9.6 billion in 1995. Capital expenditures were $2 billion in 1996, the lowest level since data collection began in 1990, reflecting completion or near completion of projects associated with the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments. Environmental operating, maintenance, and administrative expenditures were $5 billion, setting a record for the decade.

The refining industry significantly decreased chemical releases to the environment. Emissions of Toxics Release Inventory chemicals monitored as carcinogens declined by 24% in 1996 vs. 1995, and by 53% since 1988, the base year.

For the fourth consecutive year, total refinery releases decreased. These releases fell 10% in 1996. API said, as of 1995, the oil refining industry accounted for about 3% of the total emissions inventory that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency monitors.

The portion of residual refinery wastes that were recycled increased substantially in 1996. U.S. refineries recycled 60% of the wastes, or 2.2 million tons, while 22% was treated, and 18% was disposed. In 1987, when API began conducting its survey, refineries recycled only 28% of these wastes, treated 44%, and disposed of 28%.

There were 900 fewer oil spills in U.S. waters in 1996 than in 1995. The volume of spilled oil, however, increased from 1995's record low of 1.2 million gal to 3.2 million gal in 1996, due largely to a handful of larger spills.

"However, the longer-range trend shows spill volumes are decreasing, reflecting the success of industry programs aimed at reducing spills," said the report. "The average annual volume spilled between 1992 and 1996 was 2.4 million gal, down about 67% from an annual average of 7.3 million gal between 1987 and 1991."

At the end of July 1997, more than 85% of tanks reported in API's survey met federal standards for preventing overfilling and spills. It said 83% met standards for preventing corrosion, and more than 60% met standards for detecting leaks.

As of the end of July 1997, all gasoline stations and marketing facilities included in API's survey met or exceeded requirements for controlling gasoline vapors while refueling. Although bulk plants are not required to have vapor control systems, 22% voluntarily have been equipped with such controls.