Feds probing Chevron for air emissions

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MARTINEZ, Calif., Sept. 24 (UPI) -- Federal officials are investigating Chevron for an unmonitored pipe that vented unknown amounts of gas into the air in Northern California.

"Clearly either what Chevron did was negligent or intentional," said Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia, who also heads the air quality board. "Under either circumstance, it's a serious violation."

Officials charge Chevron used a pipe to circumvent air pollution regulations, in violation of a 2005 law, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said. The criminal investigation was reported Sunday by the Contra Costa Times in Walnut Creek.

Local air monitoring officials said the pipe in question was built before the law changed in 2005, but that it should have been removed or an air monitoring device should have been installed on it.

Sunday's news comes on the heels of a massive fire at a Chevron refinery Aug. 6 at nearby Point Richmond, Calif.