Apache Corporation to pay $4 million and reduce unlawful air pollution from oil and gas wells in New Mexico and Texas, eliminating more than 10,000 tons of harmful air pollutants annually

Summary

Apache Corporation has agreed to pay $4 million in civil penalties and spend at least $5.5 million to ensure compliance with federal and state clean air regulations at 422 oil and gas well pads in New Mexico and Texas. The company will implement design, operation, maintenance, and monitoring improvements to reduce air emissions from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and methane, which will result in annual reductions of over 9,650 tons of VOCs and 900 tons of methane. This settlement addresses past illegal emissions and offsets potential harm caused by the alleged violations, promoting environmental justice and public health protection.