Noble Energy Inc. reaches settlement over Colorado emissions

The Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Justice (DOJ) and state of Colorado announced today they have reached a settlement with Noble Energy Inc. over volatile organic compounds emissions in the Denver-Julesburg Basin.

The emissions, which can lead to human respiratory issues, were due to Noble’s negligence in operating and maintaining vapor control systems on controlled condensate storage tanks during oil and gas exploration and production activities. The settlement will cost Noble upwards of $70 million, with the bulk of that going towards upgrades and nearly $5 million being paid as civil penalties.

“This first-of-its-kind settlement takes a basin-wide, systematic approach to address oil and gas emissions,” Assistant Attorney General John C. Cruden of the DOJ’s Environment and Natural Resources Division said. “Our nation’s energy security and independence requires that oil and gas production be done safely, responsibly, and lawfully. We look forward to continuing to work with states and the oil and gas industry to ensure that oil and gas emissions are minimized nationwide.”

Noble also will evaluate vapor control system designs and make their reports available to the public, which is expected to have an impact with other oil and gas companies as well.