Unocal Tentatively Settles Toxic Leak Case

El Segundo-based Unocal Corp. has tentatively agreed to an $80-million settlement with residents sickened by a chemical leak from an oil refinery in 1994, lawyers said. The refinery in Rodeo, a blue-collar suburb about 20 miles northeast of San Francisco, released toxic Catacarb into the air for 16 days. In 1995, the company agreed to pay $3 million in fines after pleading guilty to 12 misdemeanor charges. The San Francisco Chronicle reported that less than two weeks after Stamford, Conn.-based Tosco Refining Corp. took over the refinery, Unocal agreed to the settlement, but details still must be worked out and approved by a judge. Attorney Michael Meadows, who represents about 600 plaintiffs, said Unocal managers kept the refinery operating during the leak to meet production schedules and “get their money and their promotions.” Catacarb is a caustic chemical used to purify hydrogen for gasoline production. Unocal shares rose 50 cents to close at $37 on the NYSE.