EPA v. BALCO, INC.

Case summary

CASE CONCERNS A CLASS II SALT WATER DISPOSAL WELL KNOWN AS THE LINDE 1-17R, NEAR FAIRVIEW, MONTANA. THE LINDE 1-17R HAD BEEN IN OPERATION PRIOR TO THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE UIC PROGRAM IN MONTANA (JUNE 25, 1984) IT WAS THEREFORE AUTHORIZED BY RULE TO CONTINUE INJUCTING. IN NOVEMBER OF 1987, R8 NOTIFIED BALCO (% OF LINDE 1-17R) THAT IT WOULD NEED TO OBTAIN A PERMIT FOR THE WELL BY FEB. 13, 1988. BALCO DID NOT APPLY FOR A PERMIT UNTIL NOV. 01, 1989, AFTER BEING NOTIFIED BY R8 OF ITS LOSS OF AUTHORIZATION. BALCO CONTINUED INJECTING DESPITE NOTICE FROM EPA THAT IT HAD LOST AUTHORIZATION TO INJECT. BALCO INJECTED OVER THE MAXIMUM AUTHORIZATION PRESSURE OF AT LEAST 32 MONTHS FROM MID 1984 TO THE END OF 1989. BALCO DID NOT SUBMIT PROOF OF FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (DUE 06/25/85) UNTIL OCTOBER 27, 1989.

Defendants (1)

• BALCO, INC.Named in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• BALCO INC KNOWN AS LINDE 1-17R DISPOSAL SELL

  SW 1/4 NE 1/4 NW 1/4 SEC 17 T 24 N, WILLISTON, ND, 58801

  Registry ID: 110010693124

Statutes cited

• SDWA 1421 — UIC Regulations

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• BALCO, INC.entered 1992-12-07

  Primary law: SDWA

  Federal penalty: $50,000

Timeline (7 milestones)

• 1989-10-11Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 1990-10-14Referred To Dept Of Justice
• 1991-06-25Complaint Filed With Court
• 1992-12-07Final Order Lodged
• 1992-12-07Final Order Entered
• 1999-06-16Concluded
• 1999-06-16Enforcement Action Closed