Exxon Mobil and California Department of Toxic Substances Control Settle Over Hazardous Waste Violations at Los Angeles Region Company Site

The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) today announced that Exxon Mobil Corporation will pay $650,000 to settle the department’s allegations that the refinery discharged wastewater considered hazardous waste by virtue of its selenium concentration, from its facility in Torrance to the Los Angeles County Sanitation District for at least five years. Exxon Mobil has also agreed to operate selenium removal equipment or otherwise ensure that the effluent stream at the refinery is below the state hazardous waste limit of 1.0 Mg per liter for soluble selenium. In accordance with the consent order, Exxon Mobil has submitted a report to confirm the company has reduced the selenium levels to safe standards.

“All facilities need to comply with hazardous waste laws to safeguard the environment and prevent possible health risks and exposure,” said DTSC Director Maureen Gorsen. “The early acknowledgement by Exxon Mobil has resulted in the refinery coming into compliance.”

According to the consent order signed on Jan. 26, 2007, Exxon Mobil will pay a total of $650,000: $450,000 in penalty and fees, $150,000 to fund the Environmental Education Account of the California Environmental Protection Agency, and $50,000 to the Western States Project Training Fund.

FOR GENERAL INQUIRIES: Contact the Department of Toxic Substances Control phone: (800) 728-6942 or visit www.dtsc.ca.gov. To report illegal handling, discharge, or disposal of hazardous waste, call the Waste Alert Hotline at (800) 698-6942.