DNREC issues penalties against Delaware City Refinery

 (file/NewsWorks)

(file/NewsWorks)

The state’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control wants the Delaware City Refinery to pay up for a number of air-quality violations it claims the oil refinery recently committed.

The nearly half a million dollars in penalties are for alleged violations of the state statute, federal air quality regulations, and the refinery’s air permit. The state also wants the refinery to reimburse them $69,000 for the investigation of the violations.

The violations began accumulating when the refinery, owned by PBF Energy, re-opened in 2011 and stretch through January 2013.

“The refinery has made significant improvements to reduce emissions compared to previous owners,” DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara said in a statement. “However, when unpermitted releases occur, the company must be held accountable and encouraged to take proactive steps to avoid future incidents.”

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Michael Karlovich, vice president of corporate communications for PBF Energy said the refinery still needs to analyze the notice they received from DNREC.

“After a thorough review, we will provide a response to the agency,” he said in a statement.

The refinery has 30 days to request a public hearing on the violations. 

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