EPA v. Shell Offshore Inc. (GMG290103)

Case summary

Respondent's Mars platform in the Gulf of Mexico is a large oil and gas production facility that was significantly damaged by Hurricane Katrina at the end of August 2005. This resulted in some discharges of oil through deck drainage to the Gulf of Mexico resulting in sheening as a violation of their NPDES Outer Continental Shelf general permit. Respondent evaluated their facility for repairs and worked with EPA on the best methods to remediate the site. The first step will involve power washing the structure so that workers can safely operate on it, but this may result in a sheen in violation of their permit. This Order allows them to perform the cleaning operation as long as they perform best management practices to minimize oily discharges and that they report any sheens that occur. This Order is only from Oct. 21, 2005, through Nov 12, 2005.

Defendants (1)

• Shell Offshore Inc.Named in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• SHELL OFFSHORE, INC. (GMG290103)

  GULF OF MEXICO, GULF OF MEXICO, GM, 99999

  Registry ID: 110020501401

Statutes cited

• CWA 301/402 — NPDES Permit Violations

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• Shell Offshore Inc. (GMG290103)entered 2005-10-21

  Primary law: CWA

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2005-10-21Final Order Issued
• 2005-10-21Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2009-07-01Enforcement Action Closed