Cameron Parish, LA – A Louisiana oilman and a company employee have been penalized following a criminal investigation into illegal discharges of oil and wastewater into sensitive Louisiana marshlands. Lobdell Percy Brown, owner of T & F Oil Company, and Carr William Brown, an employee, were indicted in October 2011 after evidence surfaced of repeated pollution events at the Little Chenier oil production facility in Cameron Parish.
The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) discovered the illicit activity during a routine inspection. Investigators found a pipe deliberately running through the containment levee surrounding the Little Chenier facility, actively discharging chlorides and oil directly into the surrounding marsh. The facility was operating without a permit to discharge any waste, and all exploration and production (E&P) wastes are legally required to be transported offsite for proper disposal.
The investigation revealed not only the unauthorized discharges but also five additional unreported spills from sites within the Little Chenier oilfield. Authorities allege the Browns knowingly circumvented environmental regulations, prioritizing cost-cutting measures over responsible waste management. The illegal dumping posed a significant threat to the delicate ecosystem of the Louisiana marsh, impacting wildlife and potentially contaminating water resources.
Legal Ramifications & Penalties
Lobdell Percy Brown pled guilty to violating Louisiana Revised Statute (L.R.S.) 302076 on December 11, 2012. He received a deferred sentence of 72 months probation, a $15,000 criminal fine, $50,000 in restitution to cover environmental damages, and was ordered to pay $11,080 for the LDEQ’s investigation costs. Carr William Brown also pled guilty to the same charge on April 16, 2013, and was sentenced to 36 months probation and a $5,000 criminal fine. The case was prosecuted by the Louisiana Attorney General’s office in collaboration with the LDEQ’s Criminal Investigation Division and the Louisiana Environmental Crimes Task Force.
A Warning From DEQ
“Anyone who makes the decision to blatantly pollute our environment will be met with severe legal consequences as a result of that decision,” stated DEQ Secretary Peggy Hatch in a press release following Carr Brown’s sentencing. “DEQ’s strong relationship with its local, state and federal partners allows us far-reaching authority to investigate and aggressively prosecute any individual or business in the state who chooses to evade environmental laws.”
Key Facts
- Defendants: Lobdell Percy Brown, Carr William Brown
- Company: T & F Oil Company
- Location: Little Chenier oilfield, Cameron Parish, Louisiana
- Statute Violated: L.R.S. 302076
- Illegal Activity: Illegal discharge of oil and chlorides, unreported spills
- Lobdell Brown Penalty: 72 months probation, $15,000 fine, $50,000 restitution, $11,080 investigation costs
- Carr Brown Penalty: 36 months probation, $5,000 fine
This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing environmental risks associated with oil and gas operations in Louisiana and the commitment of state authorities to hold polluters accountable. The LDEQ continues to emphasize the importance of compliance with environmental regulations to protect the state’s natural resources.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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