State issues million-dollar penalties to both Anacortes refineries for dangerous waste violations

The Washington Department of Ecology imposed penalties totaling $2. 7 million on HF Sinclair and Tesoro for hazardous waste violations at their Anacortes refineries. HF Sinclair was fined $1,303,000 for failing to manage dangerous sludge from an oily wastewater overflow, which sat untreated for 11 months. Tesoro received a $1,397,000 penalty for inadequately handling a neutralization pond with dangerously high acidity levels. Inspectors had flagged the issues as early as 2022, but it took Tesoro nine months to implement corrective measures.

Both companies generate substantial hazardous waste and are expected to manage it responsibly. Tom Buroker, Ecology's Northwest Region director, stressed their obligation to handle hazardous materials safely. Ecology continues to investigate the environmental impacts of the violations. HF Sinclair and Tesoro have 30 days to either pay the fines or appeal the decisions.