Unocal Is Fined for Air Pollution

For the third time in less than three years, Unocal Corp. has been penalized for air pollution caused by its Wilmington oil refinery--this time to the tune of $30,000.

Los Angeles Municipal Court Commissioner Joseph Spada on Monday ordered Unocal to pay the money as a contribution to a clean fuels research program run by the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

The company had pleaded no contest to charges that fuel gas escaped from its Wilmington refinery on Sept. 15, 1990, causing nearby residents to complain of headaches, nausea and eye, nose and throat irritation.

Los Angeles City Atty. James Hahn’s office, which filed the charges, said the risk of such releases has been reduced significantly since the incident because Unocal has improved the flares the refinery uses to burn excess fuel gas.

Two earlier air pollution cases involving the Wilmington plant resulted in the assessment of fines and penalties against Unocal in March, 1989, and December, 1989, totaling $98,600.