EPA v. BP Whiting

Case summary

On February 24, 2012, the EPA entered into an administrative settlement agreement with BP for its failure to meet the testing requirements under the benzene credit generation regulations at its Whiting refinery. Any refinery that generated early benzene credits was required to test a representative sample from each batch of gasoline produced. From June 1, 2007 until December 31, 2010, the BP Whiting refinery produced conventional (CG) and reformulated gasoline (RFG), which it used to generate 36,937,292 benzene credits. During that time, BP tested each batch of RFG that it produced, but failed to test each batch of CG, as required. BP has agreed to surrender to the EPA and never use, bank, or transfer 6,400,000 benzene credits. The retirement of these benzene credits has a significant environmental and human health impact. It results in the reduction of the amount of benzene in gasoline, and reduces the benzene emissions from the storage and use of gasoline. BP has also agreed to pay a $294,000 penalty.

Defendants (1)

• BP Products North America Inc.Named in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• BP AMOCO OIL COMPANY WHITING REFINERY

  2815 INDIANAPOLIS BOULEVARD, WHITING, IN, 46394

  Registry ID: 110000398338

Statutes cited

• CAA 211 — Regulation of Fuels - Motor Vehicle and Engine Fuels

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• BP Whitingentered 2012-02-24

  Primary law: CAA

  Federal penalty: $294,000

Timeline (4 milestones)

• 2012-02-24Final Order Issued
• 2012-02-24Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2012-03-15Enforcement Action Closed
• 2012-04-03Enforcement Action Data Entered