Might 26 (Reuters) – The U.S. Division of Justice is investigating a California unit of oil refiner PBF Power Inc over a November emissions launch, the corporate mentioned.
PBF Power’s (PBF.N) Martinez refinery emitted a “powdery substance” later decided to be spent catalysts used within the refining course of final Nov. 24 and 25 and had didn’t notify the county of the discharge, Reuters reported final yr.
“We’re cooperating with all related businesses, together with with respect to any ongoing investigations associated to the incident,” mentioned a PBF Power spokesperson on Friday, declining additional touch upon pending authorized issues.
The Division of Justice, which oversees the FBI, didn’t reply to a Reuters request for remark.
Parsippany, N.J.-based PBF acquired the refinery, positioned on an 860-acre web site in Martinez, in 2020.
The Los Angeles Instances earlier reported the FBI and EPA had been canvassing native residents as a part of an investigation into the spent catalysts’ launch.
A pattern collected final yr by Contra Costa Well being Companies confirmed ranges of aluminum, barium, chromium, nickel, vanadium, and zinc increased than regular background ranges for these metals.
The Contra Costa District Legal professional is pursuing authorized motion in opposition to the refinery for failing to inform the county when the discharge occurred, county well being officers have mentioned.
The oil refiner “completely investigated the incident to establish applicable corrective actions and we’re dedicated to implementing them,” the PBF Power spokesperson added.
Reporting by Laura Sanicola; Enhancing by Leslie Adler and Kim Coghill
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