Exxon Mobil To Investigate Cause Of Oil Mist

Exxon Mobil Corp. has agreed to investigate the cause of an oil-mist release at a northern Illinois refinery last month and develop a plan to ensure it doesn't happen again. The oil mist was accidentally released from the coker unit at the company's Channahon Township refinery on Oct. 19 and fell onto homes, farms and a creek within a four-mile radius.

CHICAGO (AP) -- Exxon Mobil Corp. has agreed to investigate the cause of an oil-mist release at a northern Illinois refinery last month and develop a plan to ensure it doesn't happen again.

Attorney General Lisa Madigan on Thursday announced the agreement between her office, Will County State's Attorney James Glasgow and the company.

The oil mist was accidentally released from the coker unit at the company's Channahon Township refinery on Oct. 19 and fell onto homes, farms and a creek within a four-mile radius.

Exxon has 14 days to complete its investigation. It also must report how much and what type of pollutants were released, provide results of water and sediment testing from a nearby creek and say how it'll clean up other properties.

The company has apologized for the release.

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