Polluter of the week (Panhandle division)

The polluter: ConocoPhillips Company, petroleum refining and natural gas processing plant, Borger, TX.

The illegal acts: failing to include a complete list of pollutants in the final report; failing to prevent unauthorized emissions of sulfur dioxide; failing to prevent unauthorized emissions of nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide; by failing to operate the flare with a pilot flame present at all times; failing to ensure that the flow meter was operational; failing to monthly sample the acid gas exiting the Unit 43 waste heat boilers for ammonia concentration; failing to consistently maintain the required temperatures and oxygen concentrations; failing to consistently maintain minimum flame temperature of 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit; failing to maintain records of the caustic concentration of all waste gas streams containing hydrogen fluoride; failing to consistently maintain the CO concentration below 500 parts per million volume; failing to consistently maintain hydrogen sulfide concentration from fuel gas; failing to annually inspect Tank 5550 for seal integrity verification; failing to repair leaking valves during the unit shutdown; failing to repair 13 valves; failing to seal 22 open ended valves in volatile organic compound service; failing to replace Engine 42 and 47 oxygen sensors during the third quarter of 2004; failing to conduct stack testing; failing to quarterly monitor the nitrogen oxide and CO content of engine exhaust; failing to conduct quarterly grab sampling or spot checking with a portable analyzer; failing to consistently maintain at least four operational electrostatic precipitator electrical cabinets; failing to operate the S Zorb Unit at or below the maximum sulfur removal rate of 128 pounds per hour; failing to maintain the Charge Heater firing rate limit at or below 14.3 million British thermal units per hour; failing to include all deviations on the semi-annual deviation report; failing to pay air emissions fees, consolidated water quality fees, and associated late fees; and by disposing of a listed hazardous waste into an unauthorized landfill.

PENALTY: $200,508; Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP) offset amount of $80,203 applied to Borger ISD LEEDS Green School Building Project.

(ENFORCEMENT COORDINATOR: Trina Grieco, (210) 490-3096; REGIONAL OFFICE: 3918 Canyon Drive, Amarillo, Texas 79109-4933, (806) 353-9251.)

disHONORABLE MENTION

The polluter: Swift Beef Company, beef processing plant, Cactus, Moore, and Sherman Counties, Texas.

Crimes:failing to take necessary measures to prevent the release of odors.

PENALTY: $1,050.

(ENFORCEMENT COORDINATOR: Dana Shuler, (512) 239-2505; REGIONAL OFFICE: 3918 Canyon Drive, Amarillo, Texas 79109-4933, (806) 353-9251.)

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