Politics & Government

Chevron Pleads No Contest To Charges From 2012 Fire

Chevron agrees to a settlement from charges related to the August 2012 Richmond refinery fire.


Smoke covered the skies around the Bay Area as fire burned at the Chevron Refinery in Richmond on August 6, 2012. Chevron USA, Inc. entered a no contest plea Monday to charges stemming from that incident.

Chevron was charged with six violations of the Labor Code and Health and Safety Code. The company pled no contest to all charges.

The charges include failing to correct deficiencies in equipment and continuing to use equipment which was outside acceptable limits; failing to prevent non-emergency personnel from entering the emergency area; failing to implement an effective Injury and Illness Prevention Program to protect employees from an imminent hazard; and failing to require the use of protective equipment to protect employees from exposure to potential harm. Chevron was also convicted of two violations of the Health and Safety Code for the negligent emission of air contaminants.

"This criminal case achieves our goals of holding Chevron accountable for their conduct, protecting the public and ensuring a safer work environment at the refinery," Contra Costa County District Attorney Mark Peterson stated in a release. "This historic resolution is also possible due to Chevron's commitment to do more than what is required by law in order to help ensure nothing like this ever happens again."

As part of a settlement, Chevron agreed to inspect pipes that are subject to corrosion and agreed to make substantial changes to its health and safety practices for employees.

Chevron also agreed to pay $2 million in restitution and costs, including $1.28 million in fines and penalties, and $575,000 in costs to Cal/OSHA, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and the California Department of Justice.

The 2012 fire resulted from a major pipe rupture that released a flammable liquid used in the hydrocarbon refinery process. The liquid was vaporized in the high temperatures and engulfed 19 Chevron employees, according to a report. The gas cloud then ignited, sending particulate matter into the air.



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