Summit Midstream Partners, LLC, Violating the Clean Water Act and the Oil Pollution Act, North Dakota 2014

WILLISTON, ND – Energy infrastructure company Summit Midstream Partners, LLC, has been sentenced to pay $15 million in criminal fines and is subject to three years of probation following a guilty plea to federal charges stemming from a massive 2014-2015 pollution incident in North Dakota. The case, brought by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and investigated by federal authorities, reveals a pattern of negligence and failure to report a significant environmental disaster.

According to court documents, Summit Midstream negligently discharged approximately 29 million gallons of “produced water” – a byproduct of oil and gas extraction – from a pipeline near Williston, North Dakota, over a five-month period between August 2014 and January 2015. This discharge wasn’t a sudden event; rather, a prolonged leak went undetected and unaddressed for an extended duration. The released water saturated surrounding land, contaminated groundwater sources, and ultimately flowed into more than 30 miles of tributaries feeding into the Missouri River, raising concerns about long-term ecological damage and potential impacts to the river’s water quality.

Details of the Negligence

The EPA’s investigation uncovered significant failings on the part of Summit Midstream. Investigators determined that the pipeline’s design, construction, and operational procedures were all contributing factors to the spill. Crucially, the company failed to adequately monitor the pipeline and implement effective leak detection systems. Even after becoming aware of the leak, Summit allegedly delayed taking action to locate and stop the flow of produced water. Perhaps most damning, the company withheld crucial information regarding the volume and duration of the spill from both federal and state regulatory bodies, hindering a timely and comprehensive response.

Legal Ramifications

Summit Midstream pleaded guilty to violating the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1)(A)) and the Oil Pollution Act (33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(5)). These federal statutes are designed to protect the nation’s waterways from pollution and ensure responsible management of oil-related products. The $15 million criminal fine represents a significant penalty for the company’s actions, and the three-year probationary period will subject Summit Midstream to heightened scrutiny and oversight. Beyond the criminal penalties, Summit is also fully funding remedial measures as outlined in a separate civil Consent Decree, which details the required cleanup and restoration efforts.

Industry Watchdog Concerns

Environmental watchdogs are closely monitoring the case, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations and enforcement within the oil and gas industry. Critics argue that the financial penalties, while substantial, may not fully account for the environmental damage caused by the spill and the potential long-term health consequences for communities relying on the Missouri River. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with energy infrastructure and the critical importance of responsible environmental stewardship.

Key Facts

• Defendant: Summit Midstream Partners, LLC
• Location: Near Williston, North Dakota
• Dates of Spill: August 2014 – January 2015
• Volume of Discharge: Approximately 29 million gallons of produced water
• Laws Violated: Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1319(c)(1)(A)), Oil Pollution Act (33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(5))
• Penalties: $15 million criminal fine, 3 years probation, full funding of remedial measures through a civil Consent Decree
• Impact: Contamination of land, groundwater, and 30+ miles of Missouri River tributaries

GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and report on the ongoing cleanup efforts and any further developments.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS

White Collar Crime

William Schwerin, Hazardous Waste Violation, WA 2001

Jul 11, 2000

White Collar Crime

Morten Nielsen, Embezzlement, New Jersey 2017

Nov 16, 2021

White Collar Crime

Dedra Bright, Theft of Government Funds, Louisiana 2008

Feb 3, 2023

White Collar Crime

D'amico Shipping Italia S.p.a., Wire Fraud, New Jersey 2019

Jan 15, 2019