LEONARD GRAY / L’Observateur / June 10, 2000

NORCO – T. Allen Kirkley of Motiva Refinery said most of the allegedserious violations spoken of by the state Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) in a report received this week had to do with issues resolved more than a year ago.

In fact, Kirkley said, after last summer’s inspections, Motiva was given a “clean bill of health” as to emissions from the inspectors.

Bruce Hammatt, administrator of enforcement for DEQ, issued a Notice of Potential Penalty (NOPP) for air violations found during a review of the refinery last summer, as well as in response to citizens’ complaints.

Additional emissions were recently self-reported by Motiva, covering the 1996-1999 period.

“I think our track record here is good in this regard – I think we have an incredible record for self-reporting here,” Kirkley said.

On the other hand, Hammatt said the snapshot view of the plant’s operations gleaned from the inspections raised questions in the agencies’ minds. “Obviously, we have some concerns,” Hammatt said.An annual air inspection of the Norco refinery is done each June, Kirkley said, and in July 1999, a “multi-media” inspection was done along with inspectors from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 6.Through talks with the inspectors at that time, and through discussions since then, Kirkley said he knew the direction any report was going to take, but added, “I wasn’t sure what was coming.”Kirkley first heard of the NOPP on June 2 but didn’t receive a copy until June 5. Motiva was given 10 days to respond in writing to the NOPP. “Wehave no doubt they will help us understand what the agencies want,” he said.

Among the alleged violations cited by DEQ are Motiva’s failure to adequately report emissions from manufacturing component sources; Motiva’s failure to properly tag and repair leaks in a timely manner; and Motiva’s failure to properly use a vapor-recovery system prior to venting into the air during a barge loading operation last July 19.

Kirkley said the Motiva plant last received such a multi-media inspection in 1990. However, a year or so ago, EPA focused more of their enforcementefforts on the petroleum refining industry nation-wide.

“These numerous allegations are really not reflective of emissions or actual releases to the environment,” Kirkley said, and stressed these are alleged, not proven emissions.

Hammatt, however, related how emission incidents were found in Motiva’s self-inspections and the leaks were found again in the same places upon subsequent inspections. “They failed to monitor a large number of pointsover a long period of time,” he said.

“Our corporate policy is environmental compliance,” Kirkley said.

Also in the NOPP, mention was made of citizens’ complaints as to releases to the adjoining community. “It’s not obvious in the NOPP what thatmeans,” he commented, and said, “I personally think in the last year, year and a half, we’ve taken a tremendous step forward in the community.”Kirkley added, though, “We’re an easy target in a lot of ways.”In addition to the NOPP, Motiva also received an Administrative Order requiring more information regarding their air permit for their catalytic cracker unit.

In May 1988, the “cat cracker” exploded in the pre-dawn hours and devastated the Norco community. Though the replacement unit was broughton line in 1992, DEQ is asking for additional details within 45 days to verify Motiva’s compliance status relative to their permitted emissions.

Hammatt concluded, “I do anticipate further onsite inspections,” related to this report.

The Motiva refinery had its origins with the 1916 establishment of New Orleans Refining Company, which initials suggested the community’s name change in 1934 from Sellers to Norco. Shell Oil bought the facility in 1922and, in 1995, the oil refinery and chemical plant divisions split. Kirkleycame on board as president of the Motiva refinery.

All day today, the Motiva plant will host a 75th birthday celebration of the town of Norco, together with plant tours, beginning at 11 a.m.”We want to be viewed as a good neighbor,” Kirkley concluded.

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