Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
The Department of Justice, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the State of Colorado announced a settlement with Enterprise Gas Processing, LLC, and Enterprise Products Operating, LLC (jointly referred to as "Enterprise") regarding violations of the Clean Air Act at the Meeker Gas Plant in Rio Blanco County, Colorado. The agreement includes a $1 million civil penalty aimed at improving community health and environmental conditions through enhanced leak detection and repair practices.
A complaint filed alongside the settlement alleges that Enterprise failed to comply with leak detection and repair requirements under both federal 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," stated Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim for 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."
Under the terms of the settlement, Enterprise will undertake corrective actions in addition to paying the $1 million civil penalty. Half of this penalty will be allocated to the federal government while the remaining half will benefit projects for disproportionately impacted communities through Colorado's environmental justice grant program.
"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."
In 2022, the EPA and CDPHE signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance coordination efforts aimed at protecting clean air across all regions.
"We are grateful for the partnership between the EPA, Department of Justice, and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment in working together to protect Colorado’s air quality," said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, Executive Director of CDPHE. "This enforcement package requires not only a fine but also mandates more frequent air measurements and quicker responses to leaks."
The settlement stipulates that Enterprise will strengthen its leak detection protocols by installing equipment designed to minimize pollution leakage, reviewing compliance with existing regulations more rigorously, repairing leaks faster than before, improving staff training programs, and utilizing optical gas imaging technology for better visual detection.
"The protection of Colorado’s air quality made possible through this settlement with Enterprise is a testament to collaboration between dedicated state and federal public officials," said Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser. "We are proud to support our state's Air Pollution Control Division as it continues leading efforts to reduce pollution from oil and gas operations."
Equipment leaks at Meeker Gas Plant emit VOCs contributing to ground-level ozone formation. Ozone poses serious public health risks including respiratory illness aggravation, exacerbation of heart disease symptoms, temporary breathing difficulties particularly for asthma patients; children and older adults are especially vulnerable. Methane emissions from these leaks also contribute significantly as greenhouse gases.
The EPA conducted an investigation into these violations while attorneys from the Environment Enforcement Section within DOJ's Environment & Natural Resources Division manage legal proceedings related thereto.
The consent decree was filed by DOJ with U.S District Court District Of Colorado pending a 30-day public comment period accessible via DOJ's websiteExit EPA's website.
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