EPA v. Shell Gulf of Mexico, Inc - Nobel Discoverer Drillship

Case summary

Region 10 issued an Administrative Compliance Order on Consent (COC) in response to an Excess Emission and Permit Deviation Report, dated September 6, 2012, notifying Region 10 that Shell was violating several permit requirements that occurred when it began drilling in the Chukchi Sea Outer Continental Shelf off Alaska’s North Slope. The Region had issued a final Outer Continental Shelf/Prevention of Significant Deterioration Clean Air Act permit to Shell for the Discoverer drillship and support fleet. On June 29, 2012, Shell submitted an application to revise its air permit, requesting increases in some of the permit's emission limits based on new information about engine performance, and to revise limits based on incorrect assumptions. The COC sets interim emissions limits for the company’s activities as well as imposes additional operating, monitoring, and reporting requirements. The interim limits are expected to ensure that Shell’s operations will meet National Ambient Air Quality Standards until Region 10 completes a full review of Shell’s application to revise the permit. Due to the drastically shortened drilling season (due in part to sea ice), the Discoverer's overall emissions for this drilling season are expected to be lower even if operating at the limits set forth in the COC as compared to emissions that would have been authorized for an entire drilling season under the permit.

Defendants (1)

• Shell Gulf of Mexico, Inc - Nobel Discoverer DrillNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• SHELL GULF OF MEXICO INC - NOBLE DISCOVERER DRILLSHIP

  3601 C ST STE 1000, ANCHORAGE, AK, 99503

  Registry ID: 110045947963

Statutes cited

• CAA 165 — Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD)
• CAA 111 — New Source Performance Standards

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• Shell Gulf of Mexico, Inc - Nobel Discoverer Drillshipentered 2012-09-07

  Primary law: CAA

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2012-09-04Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2012-09-07Final Order Issued
• 2012-09-13Enforcement Action Closed