"Louisiana Refinery Air Violations Draw Largest Criminal Fine"

"LAFAYETTE, La. -- Pelican Refining Company pleaded guilty to felony violations of the Clean Air Act at its refinery in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and to obstruction of justice charges Wednesday in federal court in Lafayette. If the court sentences according to the terms in the plea agreement, Pelican will pay $12 million in criminal penalties, the largest criminal fine ever imposed in Louisiana for violations of the Clean Air Act."



"The fine includes $2 million in community service payments that will go toward environmental projects in Louisiana, including air pollution monitoring.

Pelican would be banned from future refinery operations at Lake Charles unless it implements an environmental compliance plan, which includes external auditing by independent firms and oversight by a court appointed monitor."

Environment News Service had the story October 13, 2011.

Source: ENS, 10/14/2011