Big Lake Gas Plant, LP, Clean Air Violation, TX 2022

REAGAN COUNTY, TX – A Texas gas plant has admitted to a negligent release of toxic gas that led to the death of one employee and injuries to another, alongside violations of federal clean air regulations. Big Lake Gas Plant, LP, a subsidiary of West Texas Gas, Inc., pleaded guilty in September 2021 to one count of negligent endangerment and one count of violating the Clean Air Act, and was ordered to pay a $3 million criminal fine on February 17, 2022.

According to court documents, in April 2018, the plant negligently released approximately 525 pounds of hydrogen sulfide into the atmosphere. Hydrogen sulfide is a highly toxic gas known to impact the nervous and respiratory systems, and can be fatal if exposure is significant. The release occurred while employee C.T. was working at the facility. C.T. tragically died as a result of the exposure, and fellow employee G.T. sustained injuries while attempting to provide assistance.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) investigation revealed that Big Lake Gas Plant, LP not only failed to prevent the initial release but also knowingly failed to update its Risk Management Plan (RMP) following the incident. Updating the RMP is a legal requirement designed to prevent future accidents and ensure proper safety protocols are in place. This failure demonstrated a disregard for employee safety and environmental protection, according to federal prosecutors.

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Legal Ramifications

The company violated sections 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(1) and 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(4) of the Clean Air Act, specifically regarding chemical accident prevention requirements. The $3 million criminal fine levied against Big Lake Gas Plant, LP, reflects the severity of the violations and the tragic loss of life.

This criminal case is related to a broader civil action. Five subsidiaries of West Texas Gas, the parent company of Big Lake Gas Plant, agreed to pay over $3 million in civil penalties and invest up to $5 million in compliance measures at plants in Texas and New Mexico. This civil settlement addresses allegations of widespread violations of federal Clean Air Act regulations concerning chemical accident prevention.

Ongoing Concerns

The incident at Big Lake Gas Plant highlights the ongoing risks associated with the handling of hazardous chemicals in the energy sector. While the company has been penalized, the case raises questions about the adequacy of safety oversight and enforcement at similar facilities across Texas and New Mexico. GrimyTimes will continue to follow this story and investigate potential patterns of negligence within West Texas Gas and its subsidiaries.