EPA v. EP Energy (multiple well pads)

Case summary

The EPA, the Department of Justice, and the State of Utah entered into a settlement with EP Energy E&P Company, L.P. to resolve violations of requirements to control storage tanks at 246 oil and gas production facilities in Utah's Uinta Basin. The settlement requires the company to pay a civil penalty and take measures to ensure future compliance, including performing engineering evaluations at its tank systems and making any necessary modifications, developing and implementing a directed inspection and maintenance program to ensure proper maintenance and operation of vapor control systems, performing periodic infrared optical gas imaging inspections at tank systems, and installation and operation of pressure monitors to verify that storage tanks are not emitting volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In addition, EP Energy will implement a mitigation project to install pollution controls at facilities that are not otherwise subject to control requirements. The settlement will reduce emissions of VOCs in an area that does not meet EPA's national ambient air quality standards for ground-level ozone.

Defendants (1)

• EP EnergyNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• MURRAY 3-22A1E WELL SITE

  40.37848, -109.86414, VERNAL, UT, 84066

  Registry ID: 110070255913

Statutes cited

• CAA 111 — New Source Performance Standards

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• EP Energy (multiple well pads)entered 2022-06-09

  Primary law: CAA

  Federal penalty: $400,000 · State/local: $400,000

Timeline (6 milestones)

• 2020-01-27Referred To Dept Of Justice
• 2020-07-21Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2022-03-29Complaint Filed With Court
• 2022-06-09Final Order Entered
• 2022-06-09Final Order Lodged
• 2025-03-24Demand for Stipulated Penalties