EPA v. UNITED REFINING CO

Case summary

United Refining Company (���United���) is the owner and operator of a petroleum refinery in Warren, Warren County, Pennsylvania. On May 2, 2004, a relief valve at the refinery began leaking. As a result of this leak, the refinery discharged approximately 200 gallons of ���gas oil��� into the Allegheny River. The discharge of oil caused a film or sheen upon or discoloration of the surface of the water or adjoining shorelines, and, therefore, was in a quantity that has been determined may be harmful under 40 C.F.R. �� 110.3. This discharge of oil into the Allegheny River was a violation of Section 311(b)(3) of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. �� 1321(b)(3). Pursuant to Section 311(b)(6)(B)(i) of the CWA, 33 U.S.C. �� 1321(b)(6)(B)(i), and 40 C.F.R. �� 19.4, United is liable for civil penalties of up to $11,000 per violation, up to a maximum of $27,500. EPA issued an Expedited Settlement Agreement proposing a $1,800.00 penalty against United for this violation. United accepted the expedited penalty and tendered a check. The Regional Judicial Officer approved the Expedited Penalty Action and Final Order on February 10, 2005.

Defendants (1)

• UNITED REFINING CONamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• UNITED REFINING CO

  15 BRADLEY & DOBSON STS, WARREN, PA, 16365

  Registry ID: 110043815690

Statutes cited

• CWA 311B — Oil & Hazardous Substances Discharge

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• UNITED REFINING COentered 2005-02-11

  Primary law: CWA

  Federal penalty: $1,800

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2005-01-05Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2005-02-11Final Order Issued
• 2005-02-11Complaint Filed/Proposed Order