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The government awards contracts to companies with histories of misconduct such as contract fraud and environmental, ethics, and labor violations. In the absence of a centralized federal database listing instances of misconduct, the Project On Government Oversight (POGO) is providing such data. We believe that it will lead to improved contracting decisions and public access to information about how the government spends hundreds of billions of taxpayer money each year on goods and services. Report an instance of misconduct »

Exxon Mobil

Santa Barbara Channel PCB Release

Date: 08/21/2008 (Date of Announcement)

Misconduct Type: Environment

Enforcement Agency: EPA

Contracting Party: None

Court Type: Administrative

Amount: $2,640,000

Disposition: Settlement

Synopsis: Exxon Mobil agreed to pay $2.64 million to settle allegations of violating the federal Toxic Substances Control Act by improperly handling and disposing of polychlorinated biphenyls (“PCBs”) on an offshore oil and gas platform in the Santa Barbara Channel, off the coast of southern California. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, between 2002 and 2005, two large electrical transformers located on the platform, part of Exxon’s Santa Ynez Unit, leaked nearly 400 gallons of PCB-contaminated fluid, and Exxon allowed one of the transformers to leak for almost two years before repairing it. Additionally, the EPA alleged Exxon failed to ensure that workers who cleaned up the leaked fluid were provided protective clothing or equipment.