EPA v. PIONEER EXPLORATION COMPANY

Case summary

THE PROPOSED DEFENDANT IS PIONEER EXPLORATION COMPANY, A SMALL OIL COMPANY WITH OFFICES IN HOUSTON, TEXAS. THE DEFENDANT OWNS AND OPERATES A CLASS II INJECTION WELL KNOWN AS THE ROOS #1 SWD IN EASTERN MONTANA. THE ROOS #1 SWD WAS ISSUED A UIC PERMIT ON DECEMBER 6, 1985. THE REGION HAS RECORDS INDICATING EXTENSIVE VIOLATIONS OF THE MAXIMUM INJECTION PRESSURE CONDITION OF THE PERMIT FOR THIS WELL IN 1987. ALSO INVOLVED IA AN UNREPORTED WORKOVER DURING THE PERIOD OF FEBRUARY 26 - MARCH 3, 1987, WHICH IS ANOTHER VIOLATION OF THE PERMIT. THE REGION PROPOSES TO SEEK RELIEF CONSISTING OF A SIX-FIGURE CIVIL PENALTY AND AN INJUNCTION IF NECESSARY TO STOP ANY FURTHER OPERATION IN VIOLATION OF PERMIT CONDITIONS.

Defendants (1)

• PIONEER EXPLORATION, INC.Named in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• ROOS #1 SWD

  SEC 2 T35N R50E DANIELS CNTY, FLAXVILLE, MT, 59222

  Registry ID: 110010690617

Statutes cited

• SDWA 1422 — Safe Drinking Water Act

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• PIONEER EXPLORATION COMPANYentered 1990-07-24

  Primary law: SDWA

  Federal penalty: $150,000

Timeline (7 milestones)

• 1988-06-14Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 1988-07-26Referred To Dept Of Justice
• 1988-12-12Complaint Filed With Court
• 1990-07-24Final Order Lodged
• 1990-07-24Final Order Entered
• 1990-07-24Concluded
• 1992-03-09Enforcement Action Closed