WILMINGTON : Texaco Fined $147,500 for Violations Linked to Blast

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration has fined Texaco Inc. $147,500 for 29 violations of safety standards stemming from an explosion in October at the company’s Wilmington refinery.

The fines follow a joint investigation of the explosion by OSHA and Cal/OSHA, which Tuesday issued seven citations carrying $83,500 in penalties.

The most serious federal violation, resulting in a $25,000 fine, was levied for Texaco’s failure to develop and implement safe work practices. The fine was particularly high because it was the second such violation at the plant. Texaco officials say they will study the citations and fines before deciding whether to appeal the matter to OSHA’s appeals board in Washington. The company has 15 working days to comply with or contest the citations.

Inspectors said the Oct. 8 blast was triggered when a corroded pipe burst, sending a fireball skyward. The impact shattered windows in the Los Angeles Harbor area and resulted in the evacuation of hundreds of residents within two miles of the plant.