By: San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board
Oakland Dec. 21, 2009 - ConocoPhillips faces a proposed $490,000 fine for wastewater discharges into San Pablo Bay that were toxic to fish. These discharges occurred from January 2008 through May 2008. The San Francisco Regional Water Quality Control Board's (Regional Water Board) enforcement staff issued the complaint for these chemical wastewater discharges on December 17, 2009.
ConocoPhillips discharged from 2.5 million gallons to as much as 7.6 million gallons each day in violation of its discharge limits for fish toxicity limits on seven occasions during this time period. The discharges flowed through a 6000-foot outfall pipe into San Pablo Bay. The violations occurred when high storm water flows overwhelmed the refinery's treatment system.
The complaint asserts that ConocoPhillips failed to adequately plan for high flow conditions at its treatment plant. Had ConocoPhillips done so, its treatment plant could have properly treated the wastewater in compliance with permit requirements.
In addition to these violations, the complaint also addresses other less serious permit violations reported by ConocoPhillips from January 2008 through June 2009. The Regional Water Board is tentatively scheduled to consider the complaint and the proposed fine at a public meeting in March 2010.
The San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board's mission is to preserve, enhance and restore the quality of California's water resources, and ensure their proper allocation and efficient use for the benefit of present and future generations.
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