EPA v. XTO ENERGY INC - SCHNEGG UNIT B & C

Case summary

The CAA Consent Decree between the United States and XTO Energy, Inc. (XTO) resolves violations of Section 112(r)(1) of the Clean Air Act at XTO?s Schnegg Well Pad in Powhatan Point, Ohio. These violations caused or contributed to a February 2018 well blowout at the Schnegg Well Pad, which resulted in the evacuation of thirty-nine residents within the radius of the well, as well as the release of approximately 60,000 metric tons (+/- 15,000 metric tons) of methane, an extremely hazardous substance and a potent greenhouse gas. Under the CD, XTO will pay an $8,000,000 civil penalty and invest $58,000,000 in implementing injunctive relief and mitigation projects, including engine rebuilding projects, retrofitting/replacement/retirement of pneumatic devices, rod-packing vent control projects, and plugging of leaking orphaned wells. These actions are expected to will reduce at least 15,500 metric tons (34,162,000 pounds) of methane emissions.

Defendants (1)

• XTO ENERGY INCNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (2)

• ASCENT RESOURCES- UTICA, LLC - SCHNEGG

  52168 CATS RUN RD, POWHATAN POINT, OH, 43942

  Registry ID: 110070226526

• ASCENT RESOURCES- UTICA, LLC - SCHNEGG

  52168 CATS RUN RD, POWHATAN POINT, OH, 43942

  Registry ID: 110070226526

Statutes cited

• CAA 112 — Hazardous Air Pollutants
• CAA 112[R][1] — Prevention of Accidental Release/General Duty Clause

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• XTO ENERGY INC - SCHNEGG UNIT B & Centered 2025-03-11

  Primary law: CAA

  Federal penalty: $8,000,000

Timeline (5 milestones)

• 2022-07-12Referred To Dept Of Justice
• 2022-07-14Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2024-12-17Final Order Lodged
• 2024-12-17Complaint Filed With Court
• 2025-03-11Final Order Entered