The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a combined total of $9.25 million in Clean Air Act penalties to three natural gas processing facilities as part of the Biden administration’s environmental justice initiative targeting communities in need.
The EPA’s ruling impacts 25 gas processing plants and 91 compressor stations across 12 states. In addition to the fines, the EPA has ordered the Williams Companies Inc., MPLX LP and WES DJ Gathering to implement corrective actions that address emissions. Complaints filed against the companies allege the plants emit volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, hazardous air pollutants and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
The EPA says the companies violated federal and state clean air laws related to leak detection and repair requirements for natural gas processing plants at various facilities they own and operate. Under the settlements, the companies will spend approximately $16 million combined on new technologies and processes to address the violations.
The companies have agreed to address equipment leaks, conduct audits, improve leak-detection training and identify and repair leaks faster using optical gas imaging technology.
The EPA expects the actions to reduce ozone-producing air pollution by approximately 953 tons per year and greenhouse gases by 50,633 tons annually, the equivalent emissions of 11,267 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles.
“These three settlements will measurably improve air quality for communities in 12 states and Indian Country,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “Today’s announcement highlights this Administration’s commitment to reduce harmful air pollution - including emissions that exacerbate climate change - and provide environmental justice for those disproportionately impacted.”
The states of Alabama, Colorado, Louisiana, North Dakota, West Virginia, and Wyoming, and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, also are settling claims against the companies.
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