Department of Environmental Quality Settles On $5.4 Million Deal

A nearly $5.4 million settlement between the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and Sinclair Wyoming Refining Company has formally reached an agreement. The case was over violations related to hazardous waste management and carryover of oil and associated wastes from the refinery’s waste water system to its evaporation ponds.

The DEQ had been notified of an ongoing release of oil and associated wastes to one of the refinery’s evaporation ponds. The oil released into the pond in return impacted migratory birds that came in contact with it.

Charles Plymale is project manager for enforcement and compliance for the Solid and Hazardous Division of DEQ. According to him, the settlement includes an $850,000 penalty payment. The settlement also includes an additional $4,500,000 commitment from Sinclair for environmental projects to upgrade equipment and to conduct waste minimization activities at its refinery in Sinclair Wyoming, and to provide wildlife rehabilitation training.

You can view a pdf version of the agreement by clicking here, or read the official press release here.