Ovintiv, an oil and gas giant, just discovered that circumventing clean air laws can burn a hole in their pockets.

What is happening?

As reported by OK Energy TodayOvintiv has been penalized for failing to control the release of harmful contaminants at 139 oil and gas facilities across Utah, including the Uintah and Ouray reservoirs.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Justice, the company failed to comply with federal and state standards to capture and monitor pollution. This caused the illegal release of volatile organic compounds and harmful gases such as methane.

Volatile organic compounds They are chemical substances that can become vapors or gases and contribute significantly to air pollution. These compounds can be released during cooking, as well as from other sources such as vehicular pollution and industrial processes.

The settlement includes a $5.5 million civil penalty and requires the company to take actions expected to exceed $10 million and to reduce more than 2,000 tons of VOC pollution and 50,000 tons of harmful pollution each year. . This is equivalent to taking almost 13,000 gasoline-powered cars off the roads.

Why is the Ovintiv deal important?

The Ovintiv agreement is important because it reinforces that pollution from oil and gas operations will not be tolerated. Not only is it illegal, but it can also harm humans and the environment.

VOCs contribute to respiratory diseasesincluding asthma, especially in vulnerable communities. Methanewhich was released in large quantities, is a powerful gas that accelerates the overheating of the Earth by trapping heat in the atmosphere.

Ovintiv’s actions have impacted public health and contributed to growing concerns about rising global temperatures. This case illustrates how dirty energy Companies continue to harm the environment and nearby communities through irresponsible practices that prioritize profits over compliance and accountability.

What is being done about the Ovintiv contamination?

As part of the agreement, Ovintiv is required to implement significant compliance measures. These include facility redesigns to better capture harmful gases. The company will have periodic inspections with infrared cameras to monitor leaks, improved maintenance protocols and the installation of pressure monitors in storage tanks.

Compliance measures will ensure that Ovintiv accurately measures its gas contamination and reports it correctly.

Beyond these corporate requirements, EPA’s National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative is working to reduce methane throughout the oil and gas sector, especially in communities disproportionately affected due to pollution.

In the meantime, individuals can support policies that maintain dirty energy companies responsible, advocate for stricter pollution standards, and reduce personal dependency about oil and gas by choosing cleaner options whenever possible, such as taking public transportation instead of driving or converting your next car into a electric vehicle.

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