An unauthorized flare at Ameredev’s Nandina facility in Lea County; photo taken at noon on Dec. 31, 2019 by AQB inspectors. Courtesy/NMED

NMED News:

• Alleged air quality violations result in major settlement

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) announced today that oil and gas company Ameredev II, LLC (Ameredev) has agreed to pay $24.5 million to settle alleged violations of state air regulations.

This is the largest settlement NMED has ever reached for a civil oil and gas violation. Under state law, $24.1 million of the penalty will be deposited into New Mexico’s General Fund.

“This settlement makes one thing crystal clear – companies that pollute our air will pay for circumventing New Mexico’s rules,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said. “Today’s settlement is about penalizing the bad actors in an effort to protect communities from breathing harmful pollution.”

Editor’s note: An Ameredev company spokesperson submitted the following statement this morning to the Post:

“This is an issue we take very seriously. Over the last four years, Ameredev has not experienced any flaring-related excess emissions events thanks to our significant – and ongoing – investments in various advanced technologies and operational enhancements. We are pleased to resolve this legacy issue, and look forward to continuing to responsibly work with the State of New Mexico and regional stakeholders to support the state’s economic development as well as American energy security.”