EPA punishes UNOCAL for massive Tox

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Subject: EPA punishes UNOCAL for massive Toxic Gas Release

EPA Punishes UNOCAL for Massive Toxic Gas Release

SAN FRANCISCO, May 8 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Environmental Protection 
Agency (U.S. EPA) today announced that Union Oil Co. of California will 
pay $375,000 in penalties for failing to notify federal and state 
authorities about releases of hazardous substances from its Refinery in 
Rodeo, Calif. almost three years ago.

``Releases of hazardous substances pose serious public health and 
environmental risks, and people need to know immediately if they are in 
danger,'' said Keith Takata, U.S. EPA's Superfund Division director.

The penalty was levied in a settlement reached with Unocal. Unocal was 
cited for violations associated with the release of diethanolamine in 
August and September 1994. During the incident about 200,000 pounds of a 
substance called catacarb, which contained approximately 10,000 pounds of 
diethanolamine, was released into the air.

The chemicals were released through a hole in a refinery tower. Unocal 
was cited for failure to immediately notify the National Response Center 
(NRC) and for failure to provide an appropriate written follow-up report 
to the state Emergency Response Commission (SERC), violations of the 
Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act (EPCRA) and the 
Comprehensive Environmental Response, compensation, and Liability Act 
(CERLCA).

Unocal (NYSE:UCL) was also cited for notification violations associated 
with the release of nearly 200 pounds of hydrogen sulfide in September 
1994.

Immediate notification is essential in order for emergency response teams 
to evaluate the nature and extent of a hazardous substance release, 
prevent exposure and minimize consequences. Timely notification also 
ensures that agencies, local citizens and health care providers have 
sufficient
information to make informed decisions about protecting the community and 
the environment before, during, and after a hazardous substance release.

Further information about EPCRA, CERCLA, and hazardous substance release 
notification requirements may be obtained by calling the U.S. EPA's 
toll-free hotline at 800-535-0202.

SOURCE: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency