EPA v. Union Oil Co of California (GMG290128)

Case summary

These are Gulf of Mexico Offshore Oil and Gas platforms (ships) with NPDES discharge permits. Due to changes in the permit language effective Feb. 16, 2002, Respondent is changing drilling muds to begin using compliant fluids. The transition will result in a diminimus mixing of non-compliant fluids in the initial discharges. This settlement is to resolve the discharges using non-compliant muds (Ecoflow) in the transition to the new compliant fluids. The new fluids will be more protective of water quality standards, particularly in regards to toxicity. Unocal is transtioning all of their OCS facilities in the western portion of the Gulf of Mexico to compliant fluids as part of this settlement.

Defendants (1)

• Union Oil Co of CaliforniaNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• UNION OIL CO OF CALIFORNIA

  GULF OF MEXICO, GULF OF MEXICO, GM, 77478

  Registry ID: 110014412830

Statutes cited

• CWA 301/402 — NPDES Permit Violations

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• Union Oil Co. of California (GMG290128)entered 2003-09-30

  Primary law: CWA

  Federal penalty: $66,000

Timeline (4 milestones)

• 2002-12-03Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2003-01-16Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2003-09-30Enforcement Action Closed
• 2003-09-30Final Order Issued