EMNRD News:

SANTA FE — The Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) issued a notice of violation (NOV) to DCP Operating Company, LP (DCP) for an unauthorized release, failure to comply with initial response requirements, failure to notify the Oil Conservation Division within 24 hours of discovery of a major release and for failure to file a complete and accurate remediation plan (Form C-141) within 15 days.

DCP has been assessed a civil penalty of $66,800 and ordered to take actions to prevent the violations from occurring again.

The NOV alleged that Oct. 2 an unauthorized release occurred at DCP’s Kristina Booster station, which resulted in a fire. Because the release was unauthorized, and resulted in a fire, OCD’s rules required DCP to give verbal or email notice within 24 hours of discovery and to submit a written notice and remediation plan within 15 days of discovery. DCP failed to provide the verbal or email notice and has not submitted the written notice and remediation plan.

“Reporting releases is a crucial part of the regulatory process,” OCD Director Adrienne Sandoval said. “When operators fail to report releases in a timely fashion, they further jeopardize public health and safety by delaying the timeline for corrective action to be taken. This issuance holds DCP accountable for its failure to comply in this instance.”