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Environment & Safety

Hovensa to pay $5.3 million penalty for Clean Air Act violations

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Department of Justice announced today that Hovensa LLC, owner of the second largest petroleum refinery in the United States, has agreed to pay a civil penalty of more than $5.3 million and spend more than $700 million in new pollution controls that will help protect public health and resolve Clean Air Act violations at its refinery in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands.

An efficient source of terahertz radiation is developed

The joint institute of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the University of Colorado at Boulder (JILA) has developed a laser-based source of terahertz radiation that is unusually efficient and less prone to damage than similar systems. The technology might be useful in applications such as detecting trace gases or imaging weapons in security screening.

Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty launches new website

Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty has published a new corporate website featuring an extensive knowledge section and other enhancements to keep its clients, brokers, business partners, press and any other interested stakeholders abreast of the latest developments in corporate and specialty insurance worldwide.

NPRA praises President Obama’s action on regulations

President Obama’s announcement today that he has ordered a review to identify federal regulations that can be eliminated because they hinder economic growth and job creation is welcome news for every American.

DuPont buying Danisco for $6.3 billion

DuPont has entered into a definitive agreement for the acquisition of Danisco, a global enzyme and specialty food ingredients company, for $5.8 billion in cash and assumption of $500 million of Danisco’s net debt.

US does not have infrastructure to consume more ethanol

The US does not have the infrastructure to meet the federal mandate for renewable fuel use with ethanol but could meet the standard with significant increases in cellulosic and next-generation biofuels, according to a Purdue University study.

Koch Pipeline completes year with no safety incidents

Koch Pipeline employees worked all of 2010 with no minor or significant injuries.

NPRA joins group effort to overturn EPA’s E15 authorization

The National Petrochemical and Refiners Association (NPRA) has joined with two other organizations to ask a federal appeals court to overturn a recent decision by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that authorizes the sale of gasoline with 50% more ethanol for late-model vehicles. Organizations joining NPRA in the legal challenge to EPA are the International Liquid Terminals Association and the Western States Petroleum Association.

Avoid condensation-induced transient pressure waves

BP Canada Energy Co.: Mani, G.

Case studies give an indication as to probable causes for water hammer

When is CO2 more hazardous than H2S

Trimeric Corp.: Beitler, C. M.  |  Fisher, K.  |  McIntush, K.  |  Lundeen, J.
Pastor, Behling & Wheeler LLC: Tyndall, K.

Data shows potential harmful effects to workers due to acid gas exposure