ENV-04-186 Wastewater Compliance Investigation of Refineries in Latin America

Description:

A compliance investigation of wastewater treatment systems at two refineries and an oil terminal associated with one of the refineries was performed in 2003 as a part of an extensive due-diligence environmental audit of several facilities. The wastewater compliance audit was a detailed investigation based on the initial multimedia audit (Phase I Environmental Site Assessment) performed in 2002. The applicable state and federal regulations were reviewed prior to the investigations to determine the parameters of concerns. Historical compliance records, wastewater treatment system operation data, pertinent drawings and other information such as sources of wastewater were reviewed. Sampling plans including quality control and quality assurance, sampling protocols and sampling logistics were prepared for each site. In addition to five days of sampling of the wastewater influent and effluent at each site, existing operation and operation limitations were discussed with the refinery personnel familiar with plant operation. Following the site investigations, a report identifying sampling results and improvement needs was prepared. Conceptual designs of the proposed upgrades including conceptual level cost estimates were prepared for each site. This information was extremely useful in demonstrating the compliance related improvements as a part of the property transaction.