Valero Refining, Bay Area Air Quality Reach $266K Settlement

BENICIA, CA -- Valero Refining Co. has agreed to pay $266,000 in a settlement with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to settle violations at its Benicia refinery, air quality officials said today.

The settlement relates to 22 notices of violation the air district issued to the company for non-compliance with air quality regulations that mostly occurred in 2016.

The notices of violation included 11 for exceeding emission limits and seven for hydrocarbon leaks from storage tanks or lines, according to the air district. The violations were corrected soon after being discovered.

"This settlement helps to ensure that Valero remains vigilant in running its operations according to all air quality regulations," air district executive officer Jack Broadbent said in a statement.

Settlement funds will be used to fund inspection and enforcement activities by the district, which is responsible for protecting air quality in the nine-county Bay Area.

A Valero spokesperson was not immediately available to comment on the settlement.

--Bay City News/Shutterstock image