Publication Summary

A Class II Inspection was conducted May 9-10, 1994 at the Texaco USA Petroleum Refinery (Texaco) in Anacortes, Washington. The inspection investigated the Texaco process wastewater and stormwater treatment system. The inspection identified deficiencies in several areas of plant operation and maintenance.

A Class II Inspection was conducted May 9-10, 1994 at the Texaco USA Petroleum Refinery (Texaco) in Anacortes, Washington. The inspection investigated the Texaco process wastewater and stormwater treatment system. The inspection identified deficiencies in several areas of plant operation and maintenance.

General chemistry results suggest that the systems trickling filter and aeroaccelator activated sludge units were not operating efficiently, but this was offset by the performance of the aerated lagoon. Total ammonia nitrogen concentrations in the whole effluent exceeded chronic marine water quality criteria based on critical conditions of the receiving water. Refinery effluent concentrations were all within NPDES permit limits. Effluent organic and metal concentrations were generally within state and EPA water quality criteria with the exception of zinc, copper, mercury, and cadmium.

Ecology laboratory split sample analyses found some differences between Texaco and Ecology effluent samples. Bioassays found toxicity for four out of five sensitive species. Sediments analyses found that most organic and metal concentrations did not exceed the marine sediment quality standards, with the exception of Bis(2-ethylhexyl)Phthalate. Bioassays revealed no significant toxicity in the sediment.