ConocoPhillips, Sasol Paying $16.4 Million for Polluted Bayou

The Associated Press reports, ConocoPhillips Co. and Sasol North America Inc. have agreed to pay nearly $6.4 million and spend about $10 million more to clean a polluted bayou and settle federal and state environmental claims, the U.S. Justice Department said. The agreements will bring the companies'' costs for polluting Bayou Verdine to more than $28 million -- they spent $12 million in 2003 to clean up another section of the bayou south of Mossville. ConocoPhillips has a refinery in Westlake, where Sasol has a plant that makes chemicals for soaps, detergents and personal care products. A news release from the Justice Department and the Environmental Protection Agency said the companies are paying $4.5 million for the Superfund cleanup of part of Bayou Verdine and nearly $1.2 million for past damage to the Calcasieu Estuary. The companies also will restore part of the Sabine Wildife Refuge and pay $750,000 to have that work monitored. The agreements will settle federal and state pollution claims against the companies, the news release said.