The Justice Department, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and State of Colorado announced a settlement with Enterprise Gas Processing LLC and Enterprise Products Operating LLC (jointly, “Enterprise”). The agreement includes a $1 million civil penalty aimed at protecting community health and the environment by enhancing leak detection and repair practices at the Meeker Gas Plant in Rio Blanco County, Colorado.
A complaint filed concurrently with the settlement alleges that Enterprise violated leak detection and repair requirements under the Clean Air Act and state clean air laws. These violations led to excess emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other pollutants into the atmosphere.
“All gas refining and processing facilities must comply with the Clean Air Act,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “This settlement includes important provisions to improve leak detection, repair practices, and staff training, which applied here will help protect public health in western Colorado.”
“Together, EPA and CDPHE are committed to delivering enforcement, inspections, and compliance assistance that provide tangible benefits for Colorado’s communities,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. “This action will secure facility compliance and reduce emissions of air pollutants in Meeker and the surrounding area.”
“The protection of Colorado’s air quality made possible through this settlement with Enterprise is a testament to the power of collaboration between dedicated state and federal public officials,” said Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser. “We are proud to support the state’s Air Pollution Control Division as it continues to lead the way to reduce air pollution from oil and gas operations and pursue better air for all Coloradans.”
As part of the settlement, Enterprise will take corrective actions alongside paying a $1 million civil penalty. Half of this penalty will go to the federal government while half will be allocated to the State of Colorado. A portion of these funds will support projects benefiting disproportionately impacted communities through the state's environmental justice grant program.
Under the terms of the settlement, Enterprise commits to strengthening its leak detection and repair practices at the Meeker Gas Plant by:
- Installing equipment that leaks less pollution into the atmosphere;
- Reviewing compliance with leak detection and repair requirements;
- Repairing leaking equipment more swiftly.
Additionally, Enterprise will enhance staff training programs and utilize optical gas imaging technology for improved visual detection of leaks.
Equipment leaks at Meeker Gas Plant emit VOCs that contribute to ground-level ozone formation. Ozone poses significant public health risks including respiratory illness, aggravation of heart disease, and temporary breathing difficulties for individuals with asthma. Young children and older adults are particularly vulnerable. Furthermore, methane emissions from these leaks represent a potent greenhouse gas concern.
The EPA conducted an investigation into this case. Attorneys from the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Enforcement Section are handling it.
The Justice Department has filed a consent decree with the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado. This decree is subject to a 30-day public comment period available on their website at www.justice.gov/enrd/consent-decrees.
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