EPA v. XTO Energy Inc.

Case summary

EPA ordered XTO Energy Inc. to pay a civil penalty of $19,718.08 for its violations of UIC requirements to timely and properly transfer permits for three injection wells and to timely address a loss of mechanical integrity at one these same wells. The three injection wells are in Uintah County UT and are used for disposal of brine produced from nearby gas production wells that were also operated by XTO. To meet UIC permit transfer requirements, XTO failed to timely provide EPA with all information necessary to transfer the permits from XTO to Utah Gas Corp, resulting in a 21-month transfer delay. XTO also failed to take prompt action to repair one injection well after it lost mechanical integrity. Injection wells must maintain mechanical integrity, a central UIC requirement, to ensure they remain free of significant leaks that cause unwanted fluids to damage drinking water aquifers. EPA?s UIC program regulates injection activities to prevent contamination of underground sources of drinking water and XTO?s failure to maintain compliance with UIC requirements weakens the integrity of this program. Utah Gas Corp ultimately repaired the well that lost mechanical integrity. The penalty amount recovered what XTO should have paid.

Defendants (1)

• XTO Energy Inc.Named in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• UT21124-07613 HCU 1-28F

  NENE S28 T10S R20E, UINTAH AND OURAY RESERVATION, UT, 84053

  Registry ID: 110045471903

Statutes cited

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

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• XTO Energy Inc.entered 2023-09-29

  Primary law: SDWA

  Federal penalty: $19,718

Timeline (4 milestones)

• 2023-04-07Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2023-09-29Final Order Issued
• 2023-10-02Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2024-02-22Enforcement Action Closed