In May 2021, Equinor Refining Norway AS (“Equinor Mongstad”) was charged with violations of the Pollution Control Act. The case concerns historical matters related to emissions and discharges that the company itself has uncovered, investigated, and improved.
The investigation has concluded, and Equinor Mongstad has received a fine from Økokrim of NOK 220 million and a confiscation claim of NOK 500 million.
“We take the matters mentioned very seriously. The company itself uncovered and reported the emissions and discharges to the authorities. Equinor has conducted thorough and transparent investigations and implemented a number of measures to correct relevant deviations. We disagree that the company has failed to fulfill its duty of proper maintenance of the plant over several decades and that the company has saved cost through inadequate maintenance. Økokrim has not specified what the punishable negligence consists of. The company therefore does not accept the penalty notice and will clarify the case in court,” says Siv Helen Rygh Torstensen, executive vice president, Legal & Compliance.
The law firm Hjort AS represents Equinor.
