Articles

This RFS non-compliance event led to a hefty $15 million fine

September 8, 2024

Colonial Oil Industries, Inc., a major petroleum products distributor based in Savannah, Georgia, has reached a settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding Clean Air Act violations.

Violations and Compliance Issues

The company was found to have violated several provisions of the Clean Air Act, specifically:

1. Failure to comply with Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program requirements

2. Improper exclusion of certain marine vessel fuel from renewable volume obligation calculations

3. Production of gasoline exceeding federal limits on volatile organic compounds

Between 2013 and 2019, Colonial Oil excluded approximately 100 million gallons of diesel supplied to non-oceangoing marine vessels from its renewable volume obligation calculations.

Financial Ramifications

The settlement includes significant financial penalties and compliance measures:

- Colonial Oil Industries will pay a $2.8 million civil penalty.

- The company is expected to spend approximately $12.2 million to purchase and retire over 9 million Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) within two years.

Potential Environmental Impact

The EPA estimates that the settlement will result in over 18,300 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent reductions, which is comparable to approximately:

- Offsetting emissions from powering 2,386 homes for a year

- Removing 4,355 gasoline-powered cars from the road for a year

Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) Considerations

Given the importance of RVP in regulatory compliance, it's crucial to understand its calculation and potential issues:

Calculation Methods

RVP can be measured using specialized equipment or estimated using the product's composition[4]. One common method for estimating RVP is to use the boiling points of individual components in the fuel, along with their vapor pressures^[4].

Potential Issues

1. While estimation methods exist, actual RVP can vary depending on factors such as impurities or the accuracy of vapor pressure data used^[4]. For regulatory compliance, specialized equipment is often necessary for accurate measurements.

2. The presence of air and water vapor can affect RVP measurements. Some calculation models assume an air- and water-free environment, which may not reflect real-world conditions^[6].

3. RVP is highly sensitive to temperature changes. The standard test conditions (100°F or 37.8°C) may not always represent actual storage or transportation conditions^[3].

4. Calculating RVP for blended products can be challenging, as the relationship between component RVPs and the final blend's RVP is not always linear^[6].

5. It's important to note that True Vapor Pressure (TVP) and RVP are not identical. TVP is more relevant from an engineering perspective, while RVP is the standard regulatory measure^[5].

Implications for the Industry

This settlement and the complexities surrounding RVP calculations serve as reminders of the importance of regulatory compliance in the petroleum industry. Companies operating in this sector should:

- Regularly review and update their compliance programs

- Invest in accurate measurement and calculation methods for RVP

- Stay informed about evolving environmental regulations and measurement standards

Simply put; by prioritizing compliance and understanding the nuances of RVP calculations, businesses can avoid costly penalties and contribute to improved air quality as the EPA would say.

Sources:

1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. "Colonial Oil Industries, Inc. Clean Air Act Settlement." https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/colonial-oil-industries-inc-clean-air-act-settlement

Citations:

[1] https://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=99271

[2] https://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=423627

[3] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/reid-vapor-pressure

[4] https://mansfield.energy/2023/03/29/what-is-it-reid-vapor-pressure-rvp/

[5] https://www.cheresources.com/invision/topic/14301-true-vapor-pressure-tvp-and-reid-vapor-pressure-rvp/

[6] https://www.bre.com/PDF/How-to-Estimate-Reid-Vapor-Pressure-%28RVP%29-of-Blends.pdf

[7] https://www.jmcampbell.com/tip-of-the-month/2016/02/correlations-for-conversion-between-true-and-reid-vapor-pressures-tvp-and-rvp/

[8] https://news.bloomberglaw.com/environment-and-energy/colonial-oil-to-pay-2-8-million-to-settle-clean-air-violations

Disclaimer: This is not legal advice and shall not be construed as such.