Oil firm Phillips 66 indicted for alleged Clean Water Act violations
LOS ANGELES, California: The U.S. Department of Justice announced that Phillips 66 has been federally indicted for allegedly violating the Clean Water Act by discharging industrial wastewater containing excessive oil and grease from its Carson refinery into the Los Angeles County sewer system in 2020 and 2021.
The Texas-based oil company faces six charges: two counts of negligently violating the Clean Water Act and four counts of knowingly violating the act. Prosecutors allege Phillips 66 failed to report the discharges, a requirement under federal law. If convicted, the company could face up to five years of probation per count and a maximum of $2.4 million in fines.
An arraignment date has not yet been scheduled.
“Phillips 66 will continue its cooperation with the U.S. Attorney’s office and is prepared to present its case in these matters in court,” a company spokesperson said in a statement. “The company remains committed to operating safely and protecting the health and safety of our employees and the communities where we operate.”
The indictment comes as Phillips 66 plans to shut down its Carson refinery by the end of 2025, citing market concerns. According to the State Energy Commission, the refinery accounts for about 8 percent of California’s refining capacity.
The company also operates a refinery near San Francisco, which provides an additional 5 percent of the state’s refining capacity.