EPA, gas company settle in Utah case

A gas-pipeline company has reached a settlement with the Environmental Protection Agency over Clean Air Act violations in Utah.

Colorado Interstate Gas Co. this week agreed to pay more than $1 million in civil penalties and back fees, as well as to install environmental controls at its facility on the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation in Vernal, according to a statement by the EPA.

According to an EPA complaint filed against the company, the gas-pipeline company installed engines at the station but failed to obtain a permit and failed to test emissions sources. The Clean Air Act violations were discovered through EPA inspections.

EPA officials estimated the improvements will reduce hazardous air-pollutant emissions by more than 48,000 pounds per year and nitrogen oxides by 313,000 pounds per year.

The settlement is subject to a 30-day public-comment period and approval by the federal court. A copy of the decree can be accessed at www.usdoj.gov/enrd/consent_decrees.html.