Ohio oil refinery, state settle air-pollution case

COLUMBUS (AP) — A Columbus oil recycling company accused of exceeding air pollution limits has reached a settlement with the state to resolve the case.

Heartland Refinery Group was accused of releasing uncontrolled emissions and creating a substantial odor nuisance in a neighborhood.

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine says the refinery must implement previously ordered improvements and a system to notify nearby businesses and safety forces about events at the facility on the city’s east side.

The agreement also requires the company to pay a $280,000 civil penalty. Some of that money will go toward a fund used to retrofit old school buses with equipment to control emissions and reduce pollution.

A message was left today with an attorney for the company.