Valero to pay $122,500 for Benicia air pollution violations

The Valero Refining. Co. has agreed to pay a $122,500 fine to settle air pollution violations at its plant in Benicia, officials in charge of regulating the Bay Area’s air quality said Thursday.

The settlement covers 25 violations that the Bay Area Air Quality Management District issued to Valero for various incidents in 2011, including one for causing odors at the refinery’s wastewater treatment plant and others for small leaks from pentane or butane tanks.

Fourteen of the infractions were for “brief” violations of emission limits at the petroleum plant. District officials described the others as “minor administrative” breaches.

Jack Broadbent, executive officer of the air district, said all Bay Area refineries must adhere to strict guidelines to protect the air and the public’s health. “Violations of air quality regulations, no matter how minor, must be addressed and refineries held accountable,” he said in a statement.

The money from the settlement will be used to fund the air district’s inspection and enforcement activities, district officials said. Companies that receive violations from the district must prove they’re in compliance.

Victoria Colliver is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. E-mail: vcolliver@sfchronicle.com Twitter; @vcolliver