Mobil to Pay $950,000 to Settle Pollution Allegations

SAN FRANCISCO — Mobil Oil Corp. agreed on Thursday to pay $950,000 to settle allegations that the company violated the Clean Air Act, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The fine was the largest penalty levied by the EPA for violations of the Clean Air Act in California. The EPA had charged that the Mobil polystyrene foam plant in Bakersfield exceeded limits on emissions of volatile organic compounds from 1983 to 1985.

Mobil officials denied any wrongdoing but said the dispute was becoming too costly.

“We did not exceed the rules on emission limits, but for seven years we’ve been trying to prove it--with no end in sight. It’s just too expensive,” said a statement issued from Mobil headquarters in Fairfax, Va.

In 1983, under California’s clean air plan, Mobil was ordered to control the emissions at the plant, which makes foam products such as fast-food containers.

In April, 1985, the EPA issued a complaint about pollution at the plant and later that year inspected the plant and found violations of emission standards.

Mobil has been in compliance with emissions standards since December, 1985, the EPA said.

“This case sends a strong message that EPA will not allow violations of the Clean Air Act to go unpunished,” said David Howekamp, director of the EPA’s air and toxics division for the western regional office.