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EPA Seeks $10,500 Penalty from Columbia Gas Transmission Corp. For Alleged Oil Spill in Ripley, West Virginia

Release Date: 4/3/2001
Contact Information: Bonnie Smith, 215-814-5543

Bonnie Smith, 215-814-5543

PHILADELPHIA - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has cited
Columbia Gas Transmission Corp. for an August 25, 2000 oil spill near Ripley in Jackson County, W.Va.

According to EPA’s administrative complaint, the company’s storage well # 7352 discharged 20 to 30 barrels of oil. The oil spilled onto the ground and a portion flowed into a nearby tributary of Sycamore Creek, located 40 feet from the storage wells. The company has cleaned up the site, mitigated the environmental damage, and made plans to prevent future spills.

EPA is seeking a $10,500 penalty for this alleged violation of the Clean Water Act. The Clean Water Act prohibits discharges of oil into United States waterways and coastal areas in quantities that are harmful to the environment or public health or welfare.

The company has the right to a hearing to contest the alleged violation and proposed penalty.