EPA v. J.R. WATTS

Case summary

8/23/11 - CEASE INJECTION ORDER ISSUED. DURING AN INSPECTION ON MAY 4, 2011, DURING OPERATION OF THE SUBJECT WELL, IT WAS FOUND THAT THERE WAS PRESSUR ON THE ANNULUS; AN INDICATION OF A MECHANICAL FAILURE. RESPONDENT CONTINUED TO INJECT INTO THE SUBJECT WELL. THE OWNER OR OPERATOR OF AN UNDERGROUND INJECTION WELL IS REQUIRED TO ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN MECHANCIAL INTEGRITY PURSUANT TO 40 CFR 146.8 AND PERMIT CONDITIONS FOUND AT PART II, SECTION G, PARAGRAPH 1. THE PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FOUND AT PART II, SECTION G, PARAGRAPH 4, STATE THAT IF A LOSS OF MECHANICAL INTEGRITY PURSUANT 40 CFR 146.8 BECOMES EVIDENT DURING OPERATION, THE PERMITTEE IS REQUIRED TO IMMEDIATELY CEASE INJECTION AND CANNOT RESUME UNTIL THE EPA GIVES APPROVAL. RESPONDENT IS IN VIOLATION OF PART C OF THE SDWA, 40 CFR 146.8 AND ITS UIC PERMIT, FOR FAILURE TO MAINTAIN MECHANICAL INTEGRITY OF THE SUBJECT WELL AND IMMEDIATELY CEASE INJECTION UPON LOSS OF MECHANICAL INTEGRITY. ORDER: RESPONDENT IS HEREBY ORDER TO IMMEDIATELY CEASE INJECTION INTO THE SUBJECT WELL PURSUANT TO THE PERMIT CONDITION AT PART II, SECTION G, PARAGRAPH 4, UNTIL MECHANICAL INTEGRITY REQUIREMENTS ARE SATISFIED AND THE EPA GIVES APPROVAL TO RECOMMENCE. MECHANICAL INTEGRITY TESTING OR PLUGGING AND ABANDONMENT MUST BE WITNESSED BY AN EPA-AUTHORIZED INSPECTOR.

Defendants (1)

• J.R. WATTSNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• C.M. HINES #W-1 UIC WELL

  LAT/LONG: 37.66274 / -84.96234, OWENSBORO, KY, 42303

  Registry ID: 110044227155

Statutes cited

• SDWA 1423C — UIC - Violation of 1423(c) AO

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• J.R. WATTSentered 2011-08-23

  Primary law: SDWA

Timeline (2 milestones)

• 2011-08-23Final Order Issued
• 2011-08-27Enforcement Action Data Entered