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U.S. EPA FINES PARAMOUNT PETROLEUM $105,000

Release Date: 7/9/2002
Contact Information: Lisa Fasano, U.S. EPA, (415) 947-4307

     Company failed to comply with hazardous waste requirements

     SAN FRANCISCO  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today fined Paramount Petroleum Refining $105,000 for hazardous waste violations at its Paramount, Calif. plant.

     The company was cited after a fall 1999 inspection, conducted jointly by EPA , accompanied by inspectors from the California Department of Toxics Substances Control, revealed that the company had failed to comply with several requirements applicable to generators of hazardous waste.

     "Companies that handle toxic wastes need to manage them properly not only to protect the  environment, but to ensure public safety," said Jeff Scott, waste management division director for the U.S. EPA's Pacific Southwest region. "This facility was quick to own up to these infractions and fix the problems to comply with the law."

     Paramount Petroleum was cited for improperly labeling containers of hazardous waste, storing waste more than 90 days without a permit, failing to have a complete contingency plan and failing to cite to a Federal hazardous waste code in a report to the agencies. Containers of hazardous waste which had been stored on site more than 90 days were removed to a licensed facility and the labeling infractions were corrected. Paramount also updated its contingency plan and resubmitted a corrected report.

     The EPA regulates the proper handling, storage, transportation and disposal of hazardous waste under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.  Companies who store hazardous waste on-site for more than 90 days are required to obtain permits to do so in order to ensure the proper oversight of such wastes during long term storage. Up-to-date contingency plans ensure that facility personnel are able to respond effectively and efficiently to emergency situations.  Proper reporting of hazardous waste is necessary to ensure that EPA, and the state and the public have accurate information about waste handling practices.