Refinery operator to pay millions for Clean Air Act violations

HollyFrontier will pay a $4 million penalty to settle allegations that it violated the Clean Air Act at its El Dorado refinery in Kansas.

EPA and state regulators alleged the company repeatedly violated rules related to visible smoke emissions and limits on hydrogen sulfide in fuel gas, as well as safety rules that the authorities said led to a 2017 explosion that killed one worker. The federal government will split the $4 million penalty with Kansas.

HollyFrontier has also agreed to install or upgrade pollution equipment to reduce sulfur dioxide and particulate matter pollution from flaring by 2.1 tons and 7.5 tons per year, respectively. The proposed settlement agreement is open to 30 days of public comment and must be approved by a judge.

HollyFrontier also owns a refinery in Tulsa as well as other states.

Source: POLITICO Morning Energy Report