News Releases - 2000

Illinois EPA Urges Enforcement Action Against Premcor Blue Island Refinery For Catalyst Releases

Springfield, Ill. -- The recent releases of catalyst materials from the Premcor Blue Island refinery may have violated a 1994 consent order and the Illinois Environmental Protection Act, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency said today.

The October 1994 consent order was signed by the refinery's then owner, Clark Oil Company, after a series of incidents in 1993 and 1994 in which catalyst particles were released onto a park and nearby residences. On Friday, June 16, 2000, an estimated 22.7 tons of spent catalyst dust was spewed from the facility, leaving residue spread over a large park and residential area.

"Illinois EPA is working with the Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan's Office and other parties to investigate whether the company met its commitments under the 1994 consent order to prevent this type of incident from reoccurring. We will also seek vigorous enforcement action for any potential air pollution violations by this facility," said Illinois EPA Director Tom Skinner.

Although manufacturer's material safety data sheets for the virgin catalyst material indicated it does not pose a long-term health risk, Illinois EPA staff has collected samples of the residue from the large June 16 release and will have it analyzed in coordination with the Attorney General's Office.

In addition, Illinois EPA and Illinois Department of Public Health toxicologists were conferring with refinery representatives today to further assess any potential impact on the public of the catalyst material that was released.

The Illinois EPA's investigation continues but it anticipates providing recommendations on technical remedies to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future and appropriate civil penalties.

Related Information

• News Release - Premcor Blue Island Refinery Release of June 16, 2000: Assessment of Environmental and Public Health Impacts.