WASHINGTON, DC, June 20, 2011 -- A civil complaint has been filed in federal court against Greka Oil & Gas Inc. (now known as HVI Cat Canyon Inc.) alleging that the company violated federal and state water laws.
The U.S. EPA, the California Department of Fish and Game and the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Central Coast Region contend that Greka illegally discharged crude oil and produced water from its oil and gas production facilities in Santa Barbara County during 21 spills between June 2005 and December 2010. The spills resulted from ruptured storage tanks, corroded pipelines and overflowing injection ponds. Oil from each of the spills flowed into nearby waterways.
The complaint also alleges that Greka failed to prepare plans and implement measures required by the Clean Water Act to prevent, contain, and respond to spills at 12 of its facilities.
The lawsuit asks the court to order Greka to take all appropriate action to prevent future spills, and to fully implement the oil pollution prevention requirements of the Clean Water Act. The United States and the two California state agencies also seek civil penalties up to the maximum amount authorized by law.
In addition, the United States seeks the recovery of $2.4 million in costs incurred responding to and directing the cleanup of Greka's spills. The California Department of Fish and Game also seeks the recovery of its unpaid response costs and damages for harm caused to natural resources by the spills.
In May 2011, Greka changed its name to HVI Cat Canyon Inc. The company is a privately held Colorado corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Greka Integrated Inc.
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