Environment Texas, the Sierra Club and the Port Arthur Community Action Network allege over 600 violations of pollution limits by the release of hazardous chemicals like sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide and particulates from the refinery since 2014.

 

A Valero spokeswoman did not reply to a request for comment.

 

The lawsuit would be filed under a provision of the Clean Air Act that allows citizens to sue in federal court when government agencies have failed to halt pollution. Plaintiffs must first provide a 60-day notice to the companies and agencies of the planned lawsuit.

 

The organizations said Valero has released over 850,000 pounds of sulfur dioxide during emission events reported by the company to the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality.

 

"Valero's Port Arthur refinery has a poor compliance record even when compared to other Texas oil refineries, spewing out millions of pounds of dangerous pollution into surrounding neighborhoods," said Luke Metzger, executive director of Environment Texas.