ExxonMobil will forego a plan to temporarily install an older pollution control system at its explosion-damaged Torrance, California, refinery and will instead build a new system, the L.A. Times reports. The decision comes as the company remains at odds with local air quality authorities over the short-term plan. ExxonMobil would bring the plant back to full capacity in mid-February under the new plan.
ExxonMobil is running the plant at 20% of its capacity due to the February explosion, which was caused by overpressure in an electrostatic precipitator. The delays caused by the incident have contributed to above-average gasoline prices in the Los Angeles area. ExxonMobil’s proposed short-term fix would have allowed it to ramp up production to 80-85%.
MORE REFINING NEWS: PBF to restart idled hydrocracker at Chalmette refinery
