ExxonMobil subsidiary fined $2.3 million over fracking-related damage

Dec. 30, 2014

XTO Energy, Inc., a subsidiary of ExxonMobil, has agreed to pay a civil penalty of $2.3 million for violations of the Clean Water Act at its hydraulic fracturing sites in West Virginia.

XTO Energy, Inc., a subsidiary of ExxonMobil, has agreed to pay a civil penalty of $2.3 million for violations of the Clean Water Act at its hydraulic fracturing sites in West Virginia.

The company — the largest holder of natural gas reserves in the United States — will also spend a further $3 million to restore eight sites damaged by unauthorized discharges of sand, dirt, rocks and other fill material into streams and wetlands in connection with its hydraulic fracturing operations, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Justice (DOJ).

The federal government and West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection allege that the violations impacted more than 5,300 linear feet of stream and 3.38 acres of wetlands. The Clean Water Act prohibits the filling or damming of wetlands, rivers, streams and other waters without a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

As part of the settlement XTO has also agreed to implement a comprehensive plan to comply with federal and state water protection laws at its West Virginia oil and gas extraction facilities that use horizontal drilling methods.

Commenting on the settlement agreement, Sam Hirsch, acting assistant attorney general for the DOJ's Environment and Natural Resources Division, said: "The extraction of domestic energy resources is vitally important, and so it is equally important that companies ensure that all activities are done in accordance with the nation's environmental laws."

"This settlement will resolve allegations that XTO damaged wetlands and streams by illegally discharging dredge and fill materials into streams, and restore wherever possible these damaged natural resources," Hirsch added.

Sponsored Recommendations

Choosing The Right Partner for CHIPS Act Investments

As the U.S. looks to invest in the semiconductor research and production using CHIPS Act 2022 funding, it's important to choose the right partner.

EMWD Uses Technology to Meet Sustainability Goals

Eastern Municipal Water District pilots artificial intelligence-enabled control and machine learning to help save energy, reduce costs, and improve quality.

Protein Processing Solutions: Automation & Control

For protein processors looking to address industry challenges, improve efficiency, and stay ahead in a competitive market, Rockwell Automation offers tailored automation, control...

Automotive Manufacturing Innovation: Smart Solutions for a Connected Future

Rockwell Automation provides automation and control systems tailored for the automotive and tire industries, supporting electric vehicle production, tire production, battery production...