SANTA FE — The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) issued an administrative compliance order to DCP Operating Company, LP (DCP) for ongoing alleged violations of state and federal law related to the protection of air quality. The administrative compliance order assesses a civil penalty of $5,313,390 and requires immediate compliance with air permit emission limits and operational requirements.
Between December 2017 and June 2019, DCP submitted 367 excess emission reports for eight New Mexico facilities totaling over 2.1 million pounds of pollutants.
“Matters like these absolutely confirm the need for the Department to finish developing its methane and ozone emission regulations for the oil and natural gas industry,” said NMED Cabinet Secretary James Kenney. “It is not enough to develop rules and issue permits; a strong and robust compliance program is essential to protect both air quality and communities.”
To remedy the violations, DCP must immediately comply with all air permit emission limits and governing rules.
Failure to comply with state and federal air quality laws and permits results in uncontrolled emissions of volatile organic compounds, oxides of nitrogen, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide and carbon monoxide. These uncontrolled emissions may impact public health and the environment, as well as contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone and hazardous air pollutants.