Texas City, TX Refinery Settlement in EPA Case Includes Oversight of Asbestos Waste

In February 2009, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a proposed settlement with a Texas refinery for violations related to a 2005 explosion and fire at a Texas City, TX refinery. As part of the settlement, the company agreed to improve its oversight and management of asbestos-containing wastes.

The refinery entered a guilty plea for violations of the Clean Air Act (CAA) in October 2007, and agreed to pay a $50 million fine. The settlement terms require that the refinery address other CAA violations, including emissions of hydro chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and reduce air pollution from diesel vehicle emissions.

Exposure to asbestos is known to cause serious diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer and asbestosis.

Weitz & Luxenberg is a leading plaintiffs' law firm that has represented people affected by mesothelioma for over 20 years. Men and women diagnosed with mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure may be entitled to compensation from the companies responsible for their disease.

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