State agency accuses Citgo of 3 violations
Refiner says it has worked to avoid a repeat

By Fanny S. Chirinos
Originally published 10:56 p.m., August 13, 2008

CORPUS CHRISTI — Citgo was cited for three violations stemming from a Jan. 1 release of more than 14,000 pounds of sulfur dioxide. The state regulatory agency found the refiner's alarm systems were not in place at the time.

The emissions release from Citgo Refining and Chemicals Co.'s East Plant lasted 5 hours and 8 minutes. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality found the cause to be inadequate design within the refiner's system for separating the components of oil.

During that event, in addition to the sulfur dioxide release, 145 pounds of hydrogen sulfide, 279 pounds of hydrocarbons, 23 pounds of nitrogen oxide, one pound of nitrogen dioxide and 175 pounds of carbon monoxide were released into the air, according to the commission's report.

TCEQ issued a notice of enforcement, citing non-compliance issues -- failing to prevent the incident, failing to report the incident within the required 24 hours and failing to list all the compounds and amounts of the compounds released during the event. Citgo officials reported the incident 23 days later, on Jan. 24.

"Due to the large amount of contaminants released and the Huisache Continuous Air Monitoring Site data showing elevated levels of sulfur dioxide, it was determined that a potential serious impact to the citizens and environment occurred," the TCEQ report stated, referring to the air monitor half a mile south of Citgo's acid gas emergency flare. "Particularly sensitive groups include people with asthma who are active outdoors, children, the elderly and people with heart or lung disease. Long-term exposures to high levels of sulfur dioxide gas and particles can cause respiratory illness and aggravate existing heart disease."

The commission report stated there were no registered community complaints related to the release.

Jesse Garcia, a Citgo spokesman, said the company could not get into details and gave a prepared statement on Wednesday.

"Citgo's initial investigation of the accidental Jan. 1 event did not identify an issue with reportable emissions. During subsequent root-cause analysis, Citgo identified an issue with emissions which Citgo promptly self-reported to the agency (TCEQ). We have implemented actions to avoid a repeat of the event. Citgo continues to work openly with the TCEQ and other regulatory agencies."

TCEQ officials determined the emissions event could have been avoided through better design of the system. Appropriate alarm systems, inspection, maintenance, replacement of pump screens and operating procedures/shutdowns also would have prevented the release of emissions, the commission said.

Local and national environmental activists say Citgo continues to show disregard for the community and environment.

Suzie Canales, director for Corpus Christi-based Citizens for Environmental Justice, said the refinery continues to operate irresponsibly despite having been found guilty a year ago of violating the Clean Air Act.

"They're gassing the community repeatedly, with no regard for human health," Canales said.

Canales and Denny Larson of Global Community Monitor, an international organization that assists Corpus Christi refinery neighbors, urged that Citgo replace its top managers.

"CITGO continues to prove that they are outlaws that care only about profit and not their neighbors or workers health and safety," Larson said. "It's time for the state and the federal (Environmental Protection Agency) to step up the penalties against CITGO and their top management to stop these hazardous releases."

Contact Fanny S. Chirinos at 886-3759 or chirinosf@caller.com