DEP: Penalties Collected From Air Pollution Violations At Webco's Oil City Facility Funds Local Park Projects In Venango County

On November 13, the Department of Environmental Protection announced it approved funding for two Oil City recreation projects from penalties collected for Air Pollution Act violations at the Webco Oil City Plant in Venango County. 

DEP collected a total of $897,750 in civil penalties pursuant to a consent order and agreement with Webco on December 12, 2022. 

In accordance with Act 57 of 2011, Oil City was eligible to receive 25 percent of the Act 57-eligible portion of civil penalties collected and use those funds for projects that eliminate or reduce air pollution for parks, recreation projects, trails, or open spaces.

DEP approved Oil City’s Act 57 request to support two community projects:

-- Rehabilitation of the Hasson Park restroom facilities: Funds will be used for repairs, upgrades, and construction required to meet compliance with the 2010 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

-- Complete bandshell construction project at Justus Park: Funds will be used to purchase and install a shade awning extension for the new Justus Park band shell.

Oil City is expecting to have both projects completed by August 31, 2024. 

“Pennsylvanians have a Constitutional right to clean air and pure water,” said DEP Northwest Regional Director Erin Wells. “DEP is here to uphold these rights and ensure impacted communities such as Oil City receive a portion of these penalties for projects that improve the environment and our communities.” 

Webco and DEP entered the consent order and agreement following Webco’s disclosure that carbon monoxide (CO) emissions from the facility were significantly higher than previously known. 

In November 2020, a Webco-owned facility located in Oklahoma discovered there was a historical error in the calculation of CO emissions from its DX generator, which prompted Webco to investigate emissions from its similar Oil City facility.  

Webco’s subsequent testing at its Oil City facility confirmed that CO emissions were high enough that the facility was required to undergo additional permitting review under the federal Prevention of Significant Deterioration program to ensure the emissions were not resulting in impacts to ambient air quality in the Oil City area. 

Webco also disclosed additional violations of Pennsyalvania’s Reasonably Available Control Technology and Title V Operating Permit requirements. 

DEP is reviewing the required permit applications and will provide the community an opportunity to comment on the application. 

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[Posted: November 13, 2023]  PA Environment Digest