WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the state of Colorado announced Oct. 31 that PDC Energy Inc. agreed to resolve allegations of violating the Clean Air Act when it failed to reduce volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions at its facilities in the Denver area.
“As a result of state and federal efforts, PDC has agreed to take comprehensive action to address excess VOC emissions from its oil and gas operations,” said associate attorney general Rachel L. Brand of the Department of Justice. “We are proud that we were able to work side by side with EPA and Colorado to bring these facilities into compliance with the law.”
PDC Energy will spend $18 million on system upgrades at the facilities, as well as pay a $2.5 million civil penalty to be split between the federal government and the state of Colorado.
“This agreement will result in cleaner air in the Denver area and shows that EPA is committed to enforcing the law in order to ensure public health is protected,” said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. “This case exemplifies the strong partnerships with states that are integral to delivering results for American communities and finding solutions that build compliance with the law and prevent future violations.”