DENVER — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached a settlement of $170,000 with Cottonwood Creek Inc. for alleged Clean Water Act violations, according to a press release.
EPA cited the company for an oil spill at its Bonanza station oil gathering, pumping and storage facility, noted the release. The agency alleged about 162 barrels of crude oil were discharged into a tributary of the Nowood River on March 8, 2010.
Cottonwood Creek was also accused of violating EPA regulations requiring a Spill, Prevention, Control and Countermeasure Plan and a Facility Response Plan (FRP), stated the release. The company has since cleaned up the spill and organized a proper FRP.
"This settlement underscores the importance of EPA’s oil spill prevention requirements in safeguarding our rivers and streams," said Shaun McGrath, regional administrator for EPA‘s Denver office, in the release. "Cottonwood Creek was responsive in putting the necessary preventative and response measures in place, and EPA will ensure that the station’s current operators continue to comply with these critical environmental requirements."
The penalty money will be deposited into the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund, reported the release. Federal agencies use the fund "to respond to discharges of oil and hazardous substances."
Washakie Pipeline Company purchased Bonanza Station in 2012, shared the release.
You can find the entire release here.
