(Refiles to correct headline to show company is Chevron and Phillips joint venture not Chevron unit)
By Valerie Volcovici
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A joint venture between Chevron Corp (NYSE:CVX) and Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX) has agreed to spend $118 million to upgrade and clean up three of its petrochemical plants on the Gulf Coast and pay a $3.4 million civil penalty as part of a settlement for violating federal air quality rules, the U.S. Justice Department announced on Wednesday.
Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP entered a settlement with the Justice Department to resolve allegations that it violated the Clean Air Act and state pollution laws at three of its petrochemical facilities along the Texas Gulf Coast.
The company was accused of failing to monitor its industrial flares, which caused them to exceed limits for emitting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs).
“We are committed to reducing harmful air pollution from unnecessary and improper flaring, especially near overburdened communities with environmental justice concerns,” said Justice Department Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim.
Chevron Phillips will be required to install pollution control and air monitoring equipment at all three plants, which should reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants by "thousands of tons per year," according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
The plants will also be required to install fence line monitoring of benzene emissions and take corrective actions when benzene readings are high to protect local communities. Benzene, a carcinogen, is known for causing leukemia and respiratory issues.
"We are pleased to have this matter settled with the EPA and are making additional investments to proactively reduce our environmental footprint as part of our sustainability strategy," a Chevron Phillips spokesperson said in a statement.
Kim said in remarks on Wednesday that the settlement reflects the Biden administration's focus on reducing the carbon footprint of companies under their enforcement authority.
"The improved combustion efficiency requirements, flare gas recovery system, requirements to reduce flaring, and limits on flaring included in the settlement reduce the carbon footprint of all three facilities," he said.