California Regulator Proposes $566,600 Fine Against Exxon

By Alison Sider 

A California regulatory agency has proposed a $566,600 fine against Exxon Mobil Corp., saying the company knew about and ignored hazardous conditions at a refinery in Torrance that exploded and injured four workers earlier this year.

California's Division of Occupational Safety and Health, the state's workplace safety regulator, concluded that Exxon failed to prevent the Feb. 18 explosion of equipment that helps reduce air pollution. The refinery's fluid catalytic cracker--a key gasoline-making unit--has been shut down since the incident, contributing to high fuel prices at the pump in the state.

Cal/OSHA said the company "did not take action to eliminate known hazardous conditions at the refinery and intentionally failed to comply with state standards."

"We are reviewing the citations to determine the appropriate administrative and legal next steps," said Exxon spokesman Todd Spitler. "We have and will continue to work cooperatively with Cal OSHA."

Exxon had known since a 2007 safety review that flammable vapor leakage was possible at the plant and didn't mitigate it, according to the agency, adding that management ignored other problems and didn't have the right procedures in place to halt operations.

In total, Cal/OSHA issued 19 citations to Exxon, 18 of which were classified as serious.

Exxon has 15 days to appeal the citations.

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