EPA Seeks Penalty Against Company for
Dumping Brine in Forest in McKean Co.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed a $157,500 civil penalty against a Kansas-based company for alleged illegal discharges of more than 228,000 gallons of oil brine into injection wells in the Allegheny National Forest in McKean County.
In its complaint, EPA alleges that Swamp Angel Energy illegally pumped brine generated from its oil production operations into the underground wells.
“EPA takes our responsibility to protect public health very seriously,” EPA Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin said in a news release. “When companies break the law and threaten our drinking water supplies, they must be held accountable.”
EPA’s action also requires the company to properly plug one of the two wells at issue, known as “Old Glory.”
Swamp Angel employees John Morgan of Sheffield and Michael Evans of La Quinta, California, were charged in connection to the illegal brine injection. A year ago, they were sentenced to home detention and probation, and ordered to pay a fine and perform community service.
In its complaint, EPA alleges that Swamp Angel Energy illegally pumped brine generated from its oil production operations into the underground wells.
“EPA takes our responsibility to protect public health very seriously,” EPA Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin said in a news release. “When companies break the law and threaten our drinking water supplies, they must be held accountable.”
EPA’s action also requires the company to properly plug one of the two wells at issue, known as “Old Glory.”
Swamp Angel employees John Morgan of Sheffield and Michael Evans of La Quinta, California, were charged in connection to the illegal brine injection. A year ago, they were sentenced to home detention and probation, and ordered to pay a fine and perform community service.
.jpg)
Comments