EPA v. BETTS OIL AND GAS - 1

Case summary

VIOLATIONS : UNDERGROUND INJECTION CONTROL REGULATIONS REQUIRE THAT THE OWNER OR OPERATOR OF AN INJECTION WELL PLUG THE WELL WITHIN ONE YEAR AFTER TERMINATION OF INJECTION OPERATIONS. THE REGULATIONS ALSO PROHIBIT THE OPERATOR TO MAINTAIN THE WELL IN A MANNER THAT COULD ALLOW FLUID MIGRATION THROUGH THE WELL BORE INTO UNDERGROUND SOURCES OF DRINKING WATER (USDWS). RESPONDENTS FAILED TO PLUG ONE INJECTION WELL WITHIN A YEAR AFTER TERMINATION OF INJECTION OPERATIONS. THE WELL ALSO HAS A STATIC FLUID LEVEL IN THE WELL ANNULUS ABOVE THE BASE OF USDWS. THIS COULD ALLOW CONTAMINANTS TO MOVE THROUGH THE WELL BORE INTO USDWS. RELIEF: PLUG THE WELL ACCORDING TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY REGULATIONS WITHIN 30 DAYS AFTER EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE ORDER. PENALTY : NONE

Defendants (2)

• MR. LARRY TATUM, DBA BETTS OIL AND GASNamed in complaintNamed in settlement
• MR. EUGENE SELL, D/B/A BETTS OIL AND GASNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• OS5519 - WELL NO. 2 (E)

  SE/4, SEC. 24, T 22N, R 7E, HOMINY, OK, 74035

  Registry ID: 110028118533

Statutes cited

• SDWA 1422/1423 — UIC Regulations Classes I - V
• SDWA 1421 — UIC Regulations

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• BETTS OIL AND GAS - 1entered 2006-03-15

  Primary law: SDWA

Timeline (4 milestones)

• 2006-02-15Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2006-03-15Final Order Issued
• 2006-03-15Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2007-02-15Enforcement Action Closed