Spanish oil company Cepsa is reportedly set to meet with The Junta de Andalucia to discuss alleged violations of environmental laws. According to BigOil.net, the oil company could be facing an environmental record for repeated offences.
The Junta de Andalucia, the Spanish province’s regional government, has reportedly come under intense pressure to restrict Cepsa’s activities, as the company has accumulated 11 penalty proceedings since 2005. The proceedings relate to the company’s San Roque oil refinery in Campo de Gibraltar.
The most recent infringement involves a sulphur leak, which, according to Gibraltar publication Gibfocus, affected 2,000 residents near the refinery. According to BigOil, however, Cepsa has repeatedly claimed that its activities have never put the Andalucian public at risk.
The industry publication also reported that Cepsa has sought to protect its reputation by revealing that despite the 11 penalty proceedings; the company has only faced a E900 fine relating to one incident.
In addition, BigOil revealed that Cepsa has been eager to publicize its environmental efforts and the fact that it is currently involved in voluntarily reducing its CO2 emissions, which were down by 7% in 2006, due to 2005 investments of E9 million.
According to BigOil, Cepsa has also signed a voluntary agreement with The Junta de Andalucia, which will see the oil company invest more than E138 million up to 2010 in reducing emissions and odors and improving waste management at the plant.