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Oakland Petroleum Operating Company, Inc. Fined for Violating the Clean Water Act

Release Date: 06/11/2009
Contact Information: Dave Bary or Anthony Suttice at 214-665-2200 or r6press@epa.gov

(Dallas, Texas - June 11, 2009) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has fined Oakland Petroleum Operating Company, Inc. $1,300 for violating federal Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) regulations outlined under the Clean Water Act. A federal inspection of an oil production facility located on Highway 99 and Turkey Creek Road, Bowring, Osage County, Oklahoma, on April 6, 2009, found the facility’s field drainage system, oil traps, sumps and skimmers were not regularly inspected and oil not properly removed. The inspection also revealed excessive vegetation which affects the integrity and/or walls of containment systems were slightly eroded and had low areas, and visual inspection of containers, foundation and supports were not conducted periodically for deterioration and maintenance needs. Above ground valves and pipelines as well as brine and saltwater disposal facilities were not examined periodically for general condition. As part of an Expedited Settlement Agreement with EPA, the facility has provided certification that all identified deficiencies have been corrected.

Additional information on SPCC regulations is available at https://www.epa.gov/oilspill

More about activities in EPA Region 6: https://www.epa.gov/region6

EPA audio file is available at https://www.epa.gov/region6/6xa/podcast/jun2009.html