The Lima refinery, owned by Canada-based Cenovus Energy, will pay a $19 million civil penalty and invest approximately $150 million in facility upgrades after federal regulators determined the plant violated the Clean Air Act by releasing excess benzene and other hazardous air pollutants.
The settlement, announced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Justice, stems from a lawsuit filed in 2024 in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.
What the Government Says Happened
According to federal officials, the refinery failed to properly control benzene and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from wastewater systems and other sources at the facility.
Benzene is a known carcinogen. Long-term exposure has been linked to leukemia and other blood disorders. VOCs contribute to ozone formation and can worsen respiratory conditions.
Regulators stated that the refinery’s emissions “unlawfully exposed the surrounding community to toxic pollutants.”
What Changes Are Required
Under the consent decree, the refinery must:
- Install upgraded wastewater treatment and benzene-reduction systems
- Implement new pollution control technologies
- Install six air monitoring stations around the fence line
- Publicly report air monitoring results
Federal officials estimate the improvements will reduce:
- About 4.3 tons per year of benzene
- About 16 tons per year of other hazardous air pollutants
- More than 200 tons per year of VOCs
The refinery is also required to spend approximately $150 million on capital improvements to bring the facility into compliance.
Why This Matters Locally
The Lima refinery is one of the city’s largest industrial operations and a major employer. However, it also sits near residential neighborhoods.
Federal officials noted environmental justice concerns, suggesting that surrounding communities may have borne disproportionate exposure risks.
The required fence-line monitoring stations are expected to provide the public with ongoing data about air quality around the facility — something community members have not consistently had access to in the past.
What Happens Next
The settlement must be finalized by the federal court after a public comment period. Once approved, the refinery will be legally obligated to complete the upgrades and comply with monitoring requirements.