EPA fines firm $58,570 for spill in state

The Denver-based Whiting Oil and Gas Corporation has agreed to pay $58,570 for violating the Clean Water Act after an Arkansas oil spill in September 2012, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said Thursday.

Under the consent agreement, the company will pay the fine into the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund, which is used for oil spill removal activities and research.

Erosion near the Whiting Oil pipeline led to the 820-barrel spill on Sept. 23, 2012, which “impacted Smackover Creek and adjoining shorelines” in Ouachita County, the EPA said.

The company reported the spill to the EPA the same day, the agency said.

The Clean Water Act prohibits the discharge of oil or other hazardous substances into the country’s navigable waters in amounts that would present hazards to the environment or public health.

Business, Pages 22 on 11/01/2013

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