Equilon Enterprises Offers BioRemedy Discovery for MTBE Clean-Up

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TO BUSINESS, ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDITORS:

Equilon Enterprises Offers BioRemedy Discovery for MTBE Clean-Up

Microorganisms Form Barrier Against MTBE Migration to Groundwater

TEXAS, HOUSTON, May. 23 -/E-Wire/-- Equilon Enterprises announced the commercial availability of its proprietary technology, BioRemedy, for the efficient and cost-effective control of MTBE (methyl tertiary-butyl ether) spills. BioRemedy will be marketed through an affiliated company, Shell Global Solutions U.S. MTBE is a common gasoline additive used for octane enhancement and emission reduction that has been found in various soils and groundwater at levels that may require remediation.

"The discovery and commercial rollout of BioRemedy microorganisms represents a real breakthrough in MTBE treatment and will be an important tool in remediation," said Frank Trogus, vice president - technology. "We feel strongly about its potential environmental benefits and have decided that it should be made available to those facing the control of MTBE migration."

MTBE has traditionally been more difficult to control when spilled due to its water solubility and its resistance to natural biodegradation. This new technology involves the placement of proprietary microorganisms in the ground to form a barrier against MTBE migration in the groundwater. With the addition of sufficient oxygen, these microorganisms naturally biodegrade the MTBE to harmless compounds. The specialized microbes, upon which the BioRemedy technology is based, are effective in controlling the full range of gasoline oxygenates, including TBA (tertiary butyl alcohol).

Isolation of these organisms and their field application for degrading MTBE is the result of research initiated by Shell Oil Company and continued by Equilon Enterprises LLC. Results from test sites and laboratory experiments show these microorganisms to be significantly more effective at biodegrading MTBE than the indigenous microorganisms occasionally found in some spill locations. Additionally, use of the BioRemedy technology could greatly reduce overall remediation costs at a number of impacted sites.

Further research and development on extensions of the BioRemedy microorganism technology are underway at Equilon's Westhollow Technology Center in Houston to increase the range of potential applications. For more information, contact Kent Miller, Shell Global Solutions U.S. at [REDACTED-PHONE] or visit our website at www.bioremedy.com

Headquartered in Houston, Equilon Enterprises LLC is a U.S. joint venture between Texaco and Shell Oil Company. Equilon refines and markets Texaco- and Shell-branded products in 32 western and midwestern states and includes Shell's and Texaco's nationwide transportation and lubricants businesses. For more information, visit our website at www.equilon.com

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Equilon Enterprises LLC

http://www.bioremedy.com

http://www.equilon.com

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