Exxon Mobil’s Altona oil refinery in Melbourne, Australia, will put under stricter scrutiny from the Environment Protection Authority (EPA).

The EPA has cancelled Mobil’s accredited licence following an oil spill in February 2010 and a flare-up in May 2010.

The cancellation will not affect the refinery’s operations, however, it will be subject to more environmental checks and higher fees, according to abc.net.au.

EPA chief executive John Merit says that it sends a clear message to Mobil to lift standards at its site.

Mobil, though disappointed with the decision, intends to improve and reapply for accreditation status in future.