Chevron plead no contest to six criminal counts, will pay $2 million — $1.28 million of which is a criminal fine and penalties — and be placed on three years of probation in connection with an August 6, 2012 fire at a Chevron refinery in Richmond, California.

The fire was caused when a pipe ruptured releasing a flammable fluid used in the hydrocarbon refining process.

The high temperature fluid vaporized and engulfed nineteen Chevron employees.

Two minutes after the release, the flammable portion of the cloud ignited.

The fire resulted in the release of a large quantity of particulates and vapor into the environment and sent thousands of residents to local hospitals.

Chevron was convicted of violating California’s labor code by, among other things, failing to correct deficiencies in equipment and continuing to use equipment that was outside acceptable limits.

The company also was convicted of two counts of negligent emissions of air contaminants.

As a condition of the plea agreement, Chevron was placed on probation for three years.

During the probationary period, Chevron will be required to inspect every piece of pipe identified as susceptible to sulfidation corrosion to ensure that every pipe is of sufficient thickness to operate safely.

“This criminal case achieves our goals of holding Chevron accountable for their conduct, protecting the public and ensuring a safer work environment at the refinery,” said Contra Costa District Attorney Mark Peterson.”