The State - News from Feb. 18, 1985

Oil refineries that release wastes into San Francisco Bay inflate their production figures to escape tougher pollution limits, authorities charged. State officials said they are clamping down on the six refineries after learning that their actual production levels are 12% to 57% below what the companies asserted. “They’ve had it easy for a long time,” said water quality engineer Thomas Munley. “This is going to force them to clean up their act.” Refinery officials have protested the proposed changes, arguing that their production figures represent peak production periods and that they may not be able to meet stricter standards should their output rise. The refiners involved are Chevron USA in Richmond, Exxon in Benicia, Pacific Refining in Hercules, Shell Oil in Martinez, Tosco in Martinez and Union Oil in Rodeo.