The Valero Refining Co. has been fined the largest-ever penalty by Bay Area air quality regulators for a history of toxic chemical releases and other violations at its Benicia refinery dating back to 2003.
According to the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and the California Air Resources Board, Valero is on the hook for nearly $82 million in fines for violations discovered during a 2019 inspection. The inspection found the company failed to report toxic emissions from the facility's hydrogen system, including benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene -- compounds that 'cause cancer, reproductive harm and other toxic health effects,' according to the air district.
In addition to the fine, Valero is also required to 'reconfigure the facility's main hydrogen vent and vents in its hydrogen production plants to prevent emissions from being released directly into the atmosphere' and 'to implement a training program to ensure that its staff are fully aware of all relevant Air District regulations,' according to the air district.
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