EPA fines Calnev Pipe Line

Friday, April 19, 2002 | 9:17 a.m.

The federal Environmental Protection Division has fined the Calnev Pipe Line Co. $204,396 for clean air violations at its bulk gasoline terminal in Las Vegas.

Calnev increased the size of its piping and pumps to boost gasoline flow processed at its terminal on North Sloan Lane without first getting a permit that would have required the company to install controls on new equipment.

The additional gasoline flow increased the amount of volatile organic compounds being released into the air. Fossil fuels emit VOCs, which are a major contributor to ozone that produces smog.

The settlement will eliminate 85 tons of volatile organic compounds a year, said Jack Broadbent, EPA Air Division director for the Pacific Southwest office.

The permit would have also required the facility to obtain 145 tons of emission offsets. The offsets are required to be real, quantifiable, permanent reductions in emissions obtained from other sources or from Calnev's own terminal.

Calnev also failed to test each tank truck for vapor leaks and failed to perform monthly inspections on the vapor collection and processing systems.

The EPA had issued an order to Calnev in November 2000 requiring the facility to apply for a permit from Clark County and install a unit that recovers emissions from gasoline loading racks, instead of flaring it. Calnev installed the units in December 2001.