Compliance and Enforcement News Release (Region 6): Oklahoma Pipeline Company Fined Over $400,000 for Gasoline Spill

Oklahoma Pipeline Company Fined Over $400,000 for Gasoline Spill

 

(Dallas, Texas – April 29, 2010)  The Magellan Pipeline Company, L.P. of Tulsa, Oklahoma, has agreed to pay a $418,000 fine in order to resolve violations of the federal Clean Water Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today.

 

According to the consent decree, on January 5, 2008, approximately 1,075 barrels (45,150 gallons) of gasoline leaked from Magellan’s 12-inch distribution pipeline near Oologah, Oklahoma.  The gasoline reached Four Mile Creek, a tributary of the Verdigris River, which flows into Lake Oologah.  The cause of the pipeline leak was a failed weld at a coupling point. 

 

“Pipeline owners and operators must ensure necessary steps are taken to minimize the potential of fuel spills,” said EPA Regional Administrator Al Armendariz.  “EPA will pursue those who fail to comply with laws that protect our nation’s waters.”

 

The Clean Water Act makes it unlawful to discharge oil or hazardous substances into or upon navigable waters of the United States or adjoining shorelines in quantities that may be harmful to public health or the environment.  The fine paid for this spill will be deposited in the federal Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund.  The Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund is used to pay for federal response activities and to compensate for damages when there is a discharge of oil or hazardous substances to waters of the United States or adjoining shorelines.

 

The consent decree, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma is available at http://www.usdoj/enrd/Consent_Decrees.html

 

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

 

EPA audio file is available at http://www.epa.gov/region6/6xa/podcast/apr2010.html

 

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For more information contact Dave Bary at 214-665-2200 or r6press@epa.gov 

View all Region 6 News Releases

 

 

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