Texas Oil Company Fined $1.3M for Excess Emissions

The Environmental Protection Agency levied a $1.3 million fine on a Texas oil and gas company for excess emissions from tanks, flares and other equipment the EPA using a helicopter equipped with a special infrared camera that identifies hydrocarbon leaks.

According to a statement from the EPA, Callon Permian LLC will perform corrective actions at 13 of the company’s oil and gas facilities in the West Texas Permian Basin, resulting in an estimated reduction of over 1.2 million pounds of volatile organic compound (VOCs) emissions. VOCs contribute to the formation of ozone (smog), which can result in health problems such as asthma, lung infections, bronchitis and cancer.

The settlement also requires the company to conduct optical gas imaging surveys at each of their facilities, tank pressure monitoring, and combustion control device monitoring to ensure future compliance.

Source: EPA