PBF Energy is disputing a $150,000 fine over what state regulators claim were unauthorized shipments of crude oil that were concealed by the refiner.
DNREC Secretary David Small issued the penalties to Delaware City Refining Company and parent PBF Energy for making the shipments and concealing information.
PBF issued the following statement: The shipments to other locations did occur, however, the refinery believed and still believes that the shipments were permissible under the permit and order. Therefore, DCRC (Delaware City Refining) did not act contrary to the permit or the order. In addition, DCRC did not intentionally or knowingly provide incorrect information. We are evaluating all legal options available to the company at this time.”
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According to a DnREC release, PBF’s shipments were limited to its Paulsboro, NJ refinery as a condition for permits.
DNREC’s investigation found that Delaware City Refinery and PBF Energy violated the order throughout 2014, when it made 17 barge shipments of crude oil to locations other than PBF Energy’s Paulsboro refinery.
According to the release, DNREC that the Delaware City refinery had violated the order not only by failing to make timely disclosure of those shipments to DNREC, but also concealed the nature and extent of the shipments, and misrepresented to DNREC the number of shipments that went to other facilities.
The Delaware City Refining Company and PBF Energy have 30 days to appeal the penalty and Secretary’s Order.
DNREC has been under fire from environmental groups for not keeping tabs on shipments from the refinery.
