Performance Operating Company Fined for Violating the Clean Water Act

The Environmental Protection Agency (USA) has fined the Performance Operating Company, LLC, of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, $3,250 for violating federal Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) regulations at two of its oil production facilities.

A June 28, 2012, EPA inspection at the company’s North Kane Tank Battery in Osage County, Oklahoma, found the facility’s SPCC plan had inadequate or no facility diagram, no listing of type of oil and storage capacity layout of containers, and the plan did not discuss nor implement appropriate containment and diversionary structures and equipment. The inspection also revealed the field drainage system, oil traps and skimmers were not regularly inspected and oil not promptly removed. The fine for the violations at the North Kane Tank Battery was $1,750.

A second EPA inspection on June 28, 2012, found the company’s #4A SWD facility in Osage County had no SPCC plan as required by federal regulations. The fine for the absence of an SPCC plan was $1,500.

As part of an Expedited Settlement Agreement with the EPA, the company has provided certification that all identified deficiencies have been corrected at both facilities.

SPCC regulations require onshore oil production or bulk storage facilities to provide oil spill prevention, preparedness and countermeasures to prevent oil discharges. The SPCC program helps protect our nation’s water quality since a spill of only one gallon of oil can contaminate one million gallons of water.