Artesia Refinery
The Navajo Refining Company began to operate the refinery in Artesia, New Mexico in 1969, and produced oil at a rate of 75,000 barrels per day.
The Artesia Refinery got into some trouble with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2001 the Clean Air Act and the New Mexico Air Quality Control Act. A large report was filed that listed the specific violations that were discovered, primarily having extensive levels of emissions that were unacceptable. The charges further indicated that The Navajo Refining Company had been made aware of these issues, and asked to take care of them, but had taken no steps to comply.
As a result, the plant was ordered to make some changes and repairs to immediately reduce the amount of emissions it produced. They were required to work towards a goal that was defined as being an "Optimization Period", which was to commence not later than June 30, 2004. This was a serious issue which the corporation was forced to deal with in a timely manner, but when the project was completed it resulted in a much cleaner and more efficient plant.
While the Navajo Refining Company is nowhere near the size of its major competitors, the company has boasted a continuos growth rate. The Chairperson of the company, Lamar Norsworthy, claims that one of the reasons for this growth is their willingness to slowly but surely improve the facility, and to save money by purchasing used items. They have acquired several high dollar items such as huge tankers from other company's, repaired and brought them up to code, and saved millions of dollars in the process. Norsworthy has run the company since 1971, and brought it back from the brink of bankruptcy. He has steered the company through good times and bad, as well as serious environmental issues, and managed to come out on top. Although there have been several potential buyers and mergers over the years, in the end the company has remained in tact.
In 2008 the Artesia plant was temporarily shut down for repairs following a malfunctioning instrument control system. While it was being repaired, another malfunction occurred which caused the plant to remain closed for longer than expected. These troubles forced the plant's oil production to drop drastically while the final repairs were being made.
The plant has survived throughout the years, and endured many hardships. Among them was the serious issue of asbestos being found on the premises. Asbestos is a material that was at one time used as a key component of insulation and construction materials. It was later found to be highly toxic, and a danger to anyone who is exposed to it. That exposure is likely to lead to respiratory maladies and a potentially fatal cancer called mesothelioma. Plant workers who were employed while these products were in use should see their doctor for a check up, and explain about their potential exposure to this toxin.
Last modified: December 09, 2009.
