Over Victims' Protest, Houston Judge OKs $50 Million BP Fine

A Houston federal judge, U.S. District Judge Lee Rosenthal, today approved a $50 million fine in a criminal case stemming from the March 2005 explosion at BP Products North America Inc.'s Texas City, Texas, refinery. The explosion killed 15 workers and triggered a $21 million OSHA fine. Rosenthal has been considering the proposed $50 million fine for months while victims of injured workers sought help from two higher federal courts. They wanted the fine to be increased. Rosenthal said she has no authority to raise or lower the proposed $50 million fine, merely approve the penalty or reject it. And today, she told the victims' representatives that she can't ensure the refinrery is safe, no matter how large the fine becomes, according to online coverage by The Houston Chronicle.

BP embarked on a $1 billion safety upgrade at the refinery and has paid all of the 4,000 civil claims lodged against it from injured workers or relatives of those who died, according to the newspaper.

BP recently agreed to pay a $420,662 civil penalty and spend $365,000 on supplemental environmental projects at the refinery. EPCRA requires certain facilities that manufacture, process, or use certain toxic chemicals to report their releases annually. This settlement resolves BP Products North America’s failure to submit toxic chemical release inventory information to EPA and the state of Texas for 2002-2005 and failure to maintain reporting records for 2004. Toxic chemicals that were subject to reporting requirements included anthracene, cobalt compounds, dioxin and dioxin-like compounds, formaldehyde, lead compounds, methanol, nickel compounds, phenanthrene, and vanadium.

The supplemental environmental projects will improve Texas City's ability to respond to emergency releases, including an ambulance, improvements to the city's computer system, communications equipment, a system to aid in traffic control during emergencies, and money to improve the city's Emergency Operations Center and mobile command post.

BP's U.S. refining operations include refineries in Texas City; Carson, Calif.; Cherry Point, Wash.; Whiting, Ind.; and Toledo, Ohio. These five refineries can process 1.5 million barrels of crude oil per day. The company is the second-largest refiner in North America, it says.

Product Showcase

  • Magid® D-ROC® GPD412 21G Ultra-Thin Polyurethane Palm Coated Work Gloves

    Magid’s 21G line is more than just a 21-gauge glove, it’s a revolutionary knitting technology paired with an advanced selection of innovative fibers to create the ultimate in lightweight cut protection. The latest offering in our 21G line provides ANSI A4 cut resistance with unparalleled dexterity and extreme comfort that no other 21-gauge glove on the market can offer! Read More

  • Safety Knives

    The Safety Knife Company has developed a quality range of safety knives for all industries. Designed so that fingers cannot get to the blades, these knives will safely cut through cardboard, tape, strapping, shrink or plastic wrap or a variety of other packing materials. Because these knives have no exposed blades and only cut cardboard deep, they will not only protect employees against lacerations but they will also save product. The Metal Detectable versions have revolutionary metal detectable polypropylene knife bodies specifically for the food and pharmaceutical industries. This material can be detected and rejected by typical detection machines and is X-ray visible. Read More

  • HAZ LO HEADLAMPS

    With alkaline or rechargeable options, these safety rated, Class 1, Div. 1 Headlamps provide long runtime with both spot and flood options in the same light. Work safely and avoid trip hazards with flexible hands-free lighting from Streamlight. Read More

Featured

Artificial Intelligence

Webinars