Norway’s economic and environmental crime agency has imposed a significant fine on Equinor, the country’s energy giant, for pollution at one of its refineries. The agency announced on Tuesday that Equinor will have to pay over $70 million due to illegal discharges of oil and gas at its Mongstad refinery in southwest Norway. The pollution, which occurred between 2016 and 2021, was attributed to a lack of maintenance at the facility.

According to the agency, the most severe incident involved the release of 40 tonnes of gas containing highly toxic hydrogen sulfide, posing a significant threat to the lives of workers. Chief prosecutor Maria Bache Dahl emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that the release represented a “mortal danger” for those at the refinery.

The fine imposed on Equinor consists of 220 million krone ($21 million) and an additional 500 million krone, which is the amount the company allegedly saved through its inadequate maintenance. The energy firm has announced its intention to appeal the punishment, disputing the agency’s claims that it failed to properly maintain the installation over several decades and saved money through inadequate maintenance.

Equinor’s vice president for legal affairs, Siv Helen Rygh, expressed the company’s disagreement with the agency’s findings, highlighting the need for a thorough review of the decision. The case highlights the importance of environmental regulations and the need for companies to prioritize maintenance and safety to prevent such incidents.

The fine is a significant development in Norway’s efforts to crack down on environmental crimes and ensure that companies operate in a responsible and sustainable manner. As the country continues to navigate its role in the global energy landscape, cases like this underscore the need for vigilance and enforcement of environmental regulations. With the appeal process underway, the outcome of this case will be closely watched by industry observers and environmental advocates alike.