EPA and the US Department of Justice issued a news release announcing settlements with three national gas processing companies; they will pay a combined $9.25 million in penalties in three separate settlements. In addition to the federal government, the companies are resolving related allegations from six states and an Indian tribe with the settlements.

Focus on Oil and Gas Facilities
The settlements stem from allegations that the companies violated leak detection and repair requirements at gas processing plants and compressor stations. According to the news release, these cases are part of an “ongoing focus on reducing air pollution from oil and gas facilities.”

$16 Million in Improvements
The news release says the settlements require the companies to make improvements at 25 gas processing plants and 91 compressor stations. The improvements, estimated to cost $16 million, will include “installing equipment that leaks less, conducting audits, reviewing compliance with leak detection and repair requirements, and repairing leaking equipment faster.” To make these improvements, the companies “will improve staff training for leak detection and repair at their facilities” and will “use optical gas imaging technology at their facilities to improve the visual detection of leaks and quickly repair them.”

To see the news release, which has links to fact sheets on each individual settlement and the proposed consent decrees https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-and-epa-announce-clean-air-act-settlements-three-natural-gas-processors