By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Motiva Enterprises has been fined more than $600,000 by the state Department of Environmental Quality for a wide range of violations at the company’s refineries in Norco and Convent, according to a recent release by an environmental watchdog group.

The infractions, some dating back to 2003, were detailed in a DEQ inspection and include violations of the Clean Air Act for emissions from flaring that exceeded the permitted levels, for missing maintenance repair deadlines, not filing reports on time and not following proper testing procedures, according to the industrial watchdog group Louisiana Bucket Brigade. The plant was also cited for not getting the proper permits and authorization when it modified a catalytic cracking unit in 2003.

The fine came as part of a settlement between Motiva and the DEQ. The settlement includes a list of 265 violations at the Norco facility and more than 140 at the Convent Refinery. According to a statement released Friday from Motiva’s headquarters, the issues were described as “technical in nature” and not release related. The company voluntarily reported the issues to DEQ between 2006 and 2010, according to the statement.

According to the DEQ report, the infractions have been remedied or are being resolved by Motiva. The proposed settlement, which requires approval by the state Attorney General following a 45-day public comment period also requires the refinery to spend $103,876 to purchase two low-emissions vehicles for the St. Charles Parish Emergency Preparedness Department and donate $50,000 to the state DEQ for improvements to its early warning organic compound detection system program.

Anne Rolfes, founding director of the Louisiana Bucket Brigade, said in a release that the settlement was a good first step but added that more inspections, more fines and more enforcement is needed.

“There is a long list of refineries in this state that need inspection and enforcement,” Rolfes said in the release. “We support the workers in these refineries and know that if the greedy oil industry would loosen its grip on its profits, we could invest, make these refineries safer and let Louisiana workers do their jobs properly.”

The statement from Motiva said all issues were self-reported to LDEQ and the agreed settlement total is $653,876.

“Compliance with all laws and regulations is fundamental to Motiva’s corporate values. We are committed to protecting the environment and operating our facilities responsibly,” read the statement.