EPA v. Shell Pipeline Company, L.P. (Milwaukee WI) CAFO

Case summary

Shell discharged oil from a pipeline located beneath a taxiway at the George Mitchell International Airport, In Milwaukee between January 14, 2012 and January 31, 2012. The discharge of oil caused a sheen upon the surface of Wilson Creek. Wilson Creek, a navigable water, flows from the Airport to the Kinnickkinnic River. The Kinnickkinnic River flows to Lake Michigan. A February 22, 2012 Administrative Order on Consent between EPA, Shell, and Milwaukee County required the downstream monitoring and cleanup of oil, as well as the cleanup of the pipeline spill. The required actions have been completed. On September 24, 2014 EPA sent Shell a Pre-Filing Notice Letter stating that it planned to bring an administrative action for the alleged violations and proposed a civil penalty of $176,500. The penalty was reduced after consideration of Shell's prompt and comprehensive mitigation efforts. EPA agreed to reduce the penalty to $132,500.00, due within 45 days after the effective date of this CAFO.

Defendants (1)

• Shell Pipeline Company, L.P.Named in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• SHELL PIPELINE COMPANY, L.P.

  WILSON CREEK AT NORTH WEST OUTFALL, CITY OF MILWAUKEE, WI, 53210

  Registry ID: 110064505352

Statutes cited

• CWA 311F — Oil Removal Cost Recovery

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• Shell Pipeline Company, L.P. (Milwaukee WI) CAFOentered 2015-06-11

  Primary law: CWA

  Federal penalty: $132,500

Timeline (6 milestones)

• 2015-04-22Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2015-04-22Public Comment Period Start
• 2015-06-11Final Order Issued
• 2015-06-22Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2015-07-29Enforcement Action Closed
• 2015-07-29Pipeline Closed