EPA reaches settlement with Sinclair Wyoming Refining

DENVER (Legal Newsline) - The Sinclair Wyoming Refining Company has agreed to pay a $378,000 penalty, update process equipment and perform tests on pressure vessels and piping, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced on Thursday.

This agreement, a part of a Clean Air Act settlement, focused on allegedly hazardous substances used at the Sinclair refinery such as large quantities of propane, butane, and flammable hydrocarbon mixtures. The EPA says the settlement will reduce the possibility of an accidental release of hazardous chemicals.

All facilities that utilize hazardous and flammable substances must develop and submit a risk management plan to comply with emergency preparedness and chemical release prevention, according to the Clean Air Act.

EPA inspectors allege they found Sinclair had not adequately implemented the required regulations at their refinery in Sinclair, Wyo., in June 2010.

"Sinclair has had several accidents and releases of hazardous substances over the past several years that relate to process equipment," said Mike Gaydosh, director of EPA's enforcement program in Denver.

"This settlement will help ensure the company is operating in accordance with industry standards to protect the environment as well as residents of nearby communities."

The consent decree was lodged in U.S. District Court and is subject to a 30-day comment period and final approval by the court. A copy of the consent decree is available on the Department of Justice's website.