On September 6th, the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (“ADEM”) and Escambia Operating Co., LLC (“EOC”) reached an agreement through a Consent Order regarding a purported violation of an air permit. The violation stems from activities at EOC-operated industrial facilities in Escambia County, Alabama, that specialize in oil and gas production and natural gas processing.
Although the specifics of the violation were not outlined, it is crucial for corporations to appreciate the stringent regulatory environment surrounding air emissions in the US. This case serves as a reminder to corporations nationwide to stay updated and adhere to their respective environmental law provisions to avoid similar legal repercussions.
ADEM and EOC have not yet released details about the actions to be taken under the Consent Order, which are typically created to resolve disputes without the need for lengthy court proceedings. The order typically involves the alleged violator agreeing to rectify the non-compliant behavior, and often incorporates fines or other sanctions.
In light of this development, legal professionals specializing in environmental law at major corporations and law firms are encouraged to validate their clients’ compliance with emissions standards and other environmentally-focused legislation. Companies in the oil and gas sector, in particular, should undertake regular audits to ensure they are not inadvertently violating any air permits or other legal requirements.
For more detailed coverage of the Consent Order between ADEM and EOC, please follow this link.