ExxonMobil recognized for air pollution reduction

ExxonMobil’s bulk fuel terminal in Spokane Valley has been recognized for its pollution control efforts by the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency.

The terminal’s operators received the agency’s 2016 Clean Air Award at a ceremony this week.

The terminal stores petroleum products, including gasoline and diesel fuel, in above ground tanks until the fuel is transferred to tanker trucks for delivery to retail fuel stations in region.

Gasoline vapors, which contribute to smog-forming ozone, are the main pollutant of concern. ExxonMobil has worked to reduce vapor emissions at the terminal since the mid-1970s through a series of innovative measures, air quality officials said.

One of the most recent actions was installation of a device that ensures the fuel can only be loaded into a truck when the vapor recovery hose is properly connected.

“Their actions benefit our community and the air we all share,” said Julie Oliver, executive director for the clean air agency.