TCEQ fines ExxonMobil, Chevron Phillips, Valero refineries and China wastewater facility for emissions and discharge violations

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality approved $2.68 million in penalties against 147 entities, including ExxonMobil, Chevron Phillips, Valero, and the city of China, Texas. The China wastewater treatment facility exceeded permitted pollutant discharge limits in October 2022, risking harmful contaminants. TCEQ fined the city $13,500, but the penalty may be dismissed if compliance conditions are met, including installing a $290,000 disinfection basin. ExxonMobil faced $42,375 in fines for three unauthorized emissions events releasing carbon monoxide and volatile compounds. Chevron Phillips was fined $23,250 for a May 2024 release of carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides. Valero's Premcor Refining Group paid $17,500 for releasing carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, and sulfur dioxide. All three companies generally deny the allegations. The fines include payments to local environmental monitoring programs, reflecting enforcement tied to emissions and pollution control.