ChevronTexaco Agrees to Clean Up 5 Refineries

ChevronTexaco Corp. agreed Thursday to spend an estimated $275 million to reduce emissions at two California refineries and three others across the nation. The action settles a federal air pollution lawsuit.

State and federal regulators accused the San Ramon-based oil giant, the nation’s second-largest oil concern, of emitting more pollution than its permits allowed and modifying refineries without government approval.

The suit also alleged that the company failed to immediately notify local authorities when its El Segundo plant malfunctioned and released “extremely hazardous substances” into the air.

The company’s other four plants are in Richmond, Calif.; Kapolei, Hawaii.; Pascagoula, Miss.; and Salt Lake City.

“The emissions reductions required by this settlement will lead to cleaner air and significant environmental and public health benefits,” said Assistant Atty. Gen. Thomas L. Sansonetti.