The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency agreed to a settlement with Lunday-Thagard Company, doing business as World Oil Refining, for alleged violations of the Clean Water Act.
According to a March 30 EPA news release, the settlement, which includes a $112,673 fine, is also connected to allegations concerning World Oil’s regulations in connection with oil pollution prevention at the storage site and refinery in South Gate, Calif. EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman pointed out the EPA's actions are important steps in the protection of waterways and local communities.
“This enforcement action reflects EPA’s continued commitment to ensuring facilities like World Oil Refining comply with federal clean water laws and prevent unnecessary oil spills,” Guzman said in the news release.
The EPA noted World Oil is located near the Rio Hondo Channel and the Los Angeles River, both of which lead to the Long Beach Harbor and the Pacific Ocean. It also is near the Golden Shore Marine Reserve, a key area for protection, according to the EPA release.
According to the EPA news release, its regulations focusing on oil pollution prevention are designed to prevent oil form finding its way into waters and shorelines with watercraft traffic. The EPA also noted it hopes to make sure oil discharges are contained in case of a spill.
