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News Releases from Region 03

EPA Settles with Natural Gas Company for Oil Spill in Ohio River Tributary in Marshall Co., W. Va.

03/23/2016
Contact Information: 
Bonnie Smith (smith.bonnie@epa.gov)
215-814-5543

PHILADELPHIA (March 23, 2016) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today that Williams Ohio Valley Midstream, the owner and operator of a natural gas pipe line in Moundsville, W. Va. has paid a $14,440 penalty to settle an alleged violation of the federal Clean Water Act (CWA) prohibiting discharges of oil to waterways. The law is designed to protect waterways, public health and the environment.

EPA cited the company for discharging natural gas condensate into a nearby waterway after a four-inch pipe ruptured at its facility. Immediately after the rupture, a sheen was observed on three local waterways, including Little Grave Creek, a tributary flowing into the Ohio River. Approximately 132 barrels of natural gas condensate was discharged.

Section 311(b) of the CWA, establishes liability for discharges of harmful quantities of oil or hazardous substances into navigable waters or their adjoining shorelines. The company's penalty will be placed in the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund and be made available to fund future oil cleanups.

As a part of the settlement, the company has not admitted or denied its liability for the spill, nor the factual allegations set forth in the settlement, but has paid the penalty to resolve this matter.

For more information see:

Oil Spills, Prevention and Preparedness Regulations https://www.epa.gov/oil-spills-prevention-and-preparedness-regulations

Clean Water Act Penalty Policy: Hazardous Waste and Oil Spills into Navigable Waterways