Suspension of Integrated Environment Authorization of Arpechim was lifted

• The modernization process of the tanks in Arpechim was finalized
• Investments of EUR 1.5 million until the end of July 2007, to fulfill the compliance programs

After the inspection carried at Arpechim, on August 3rd, 2007, in order to analyze the way in which were performed the measures provided in the Action Plan of the Integrated Environment Authorization, the Regional Environment Agency Pitesti decided to lift the suspension of the Integrated Environment Authorization of Arpechim, beginning with today, August 7th, 2007.

Dan Pazara, Communication Director of Petrom: „The modernization process of the tanks was performed at a rapid pace as we planned as the end of May. EUR 1.5 million were invested at Arpechim in order to fulfill the compliance program regarding the tanks and the sludge lagoon”.

Arpechim has finalized on July 31 the modernization of three of the five tanks that represented one of the two reasons for the suspension of the Integrated Environment Authorization.
The other two tanks are temporarily separated from the loading system and will be modernized in the next period of time.

Also, Arpechim received from the Local Environmental Agency the closing agreements for the ACN deposit and the New Sludge Lagoon.

During the suspension of the Integrated Environment Authorization of Arpechim, the products supply to the market was not disrupted and currently the refinery operates at the usual parameters.