RICHMOND, California (AP) — Federal environmental regulators say Chevron Corp. failed to maintain equipment and did not respond adequately to airborne chemical releases at its Richmond refinery, the site of a massive fire in 2012.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday filed a formal notice against Chevron finding 62 violations of federal environmental law.
The Aug. 6, 2012 fire was caused by the failure of a corroded, 1970s-era pipe that released a massive gas cloud and sent thousands to hospitals seeking medical attention.
EPA called Chevron’s risk management at the facility a “pervasive failure” and could pursue criminal charges or fines if the company fails to address the violations.
Chevron spokeswoman Melissa Ritchie says the company is working with EPA and other agencies to remedy issues identified by investigations.