The typical U.S. refinery releases over 10,000 gallons of oil to air, land, and water every day, but that amount can be significantly reduced through pollution prevention strategies. The oil industry should have written a document like this years ago and should promptly implement its recommendations. The term pollution prevention refers to activities that reduce the amount of any toxic substance or pollutant entering a waste stream, whether released to air, land, or water.
Pollution prevention stops creation of toxic wastes, rather than relying on waste management.
For example, a quarterly leak detection and repair program for refinery piping and associated equipment would stop fugitive emissions to air and slow drips, and can pay for itself within a year through captured oil. In addition, aboveground tanks with roof seals, double-bottoms, and aboveground piping are unlikely to have leaks that impact the environment and human health and require costly cleanups. The report contains a checklist of refinery pollution prevention strategies and lists where the nearly 200 active U.S. refineries are located. The Environmental Defense Fund, a leading, national, NYbased nonprofit organization represents 250,000 members. EDF links science, economics, and law to create innovative, economically viable solutions to today's environmental problems.