Matador Production Company Takes Responsibility for Unlawful Air Pollution in New Mexico

Matador Production Company, a large oil and gas producer in the New Mexico portion of the Permian Basin, has agreed to pay $1.15 million in civil penalties and invest at least $2.5 million in extensive design, operation, maintenance and monitoring improvements, as well as a community project worth $1.25 million to help address environmental harm caused by its violations of clean air regulations.

The settlement comes after a civil complaint was filed jointly by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) alleging that Matador failed to capture and control air emissions from storage vessels; comply with inspection, monitoring, and recordkeeping requirements; and obtain required state and federal permits at 25 of its oil and gas production operations in New Mexico. NMED and EPA identified the alleged violations through flyover surveillance and field investigations conducted in 2019.

As part of the settlement, Matador will ensure that all 239 of its well pads in New Mexico are operated lawfully and will spend no less than $1.25 million on a supplemental environmental project involving diesel engine replacements. Matador will also spend another $500,000 to conduct aerial monitoring of its facilities for leaks of methane and other pollutants and to address any problems identified. Finally, Matador will spend approximately $800,000 million to offset the harm caused by the alleged violations by reducing emissions from pneumatic devices and vapor recovery units used in its oil and gas operations.

The alleged violations released air pollutants associated with several types of respiratory illnesses and that contribute to Global warming. In fact, Matador’s compliance with the consent decree will result in a reduction of more than 16,000 tons of pollutants, including oxides of nitrogen (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and carbon monoxide (CO). VOCs and NOx are key components in the formation of ground-level ozone, a pollutant that irritates the lungs, exacerbates diseases such as asthma, and can increase susceptibility to respiratory illnesses, such as pneumonia and bronchitis.

Moreover, as a co-benefit of these reductions, the consent decree will result in significant reductions of greenhouse gas emissions, including reducing methane – a powerful greenhouse gas, by more than 31,000 tons, measured as carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent. This is similar to the amount of greenhouse gas reductions that would be achieved by taking 6,060 gasoline-powered vehicles off the road for one year.

This settlement is part of EPA’s National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative, Creating Cleaner Air for Communities by Reducing Excess Emissions of Harmful Pollutants. This initiative aims to reduce air Pollution, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter, that threaten public health and the environment.

This news is a step in the right direction for the environment and the health of people living in the area. The Clean Air Act (CAA) requires the EPA to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for criteria pollutants that are considered harmful to public health and the environment. Ozone, CO, and nitrogen dioxide (NO2, a component of NOx) are criteria pollutants emitted by oil and gas production facilities, such as those operated by Matador where the alleged violations occurred. During the timeframes of Matador’s alleged violations, air quality monitors in the relevant counties in New Mexico registered rising ozone concentrations exceeding 95% of the NAAQS for ozone. In counties where ozone levels reach 95% of the NAAQS, NMED is required by New Mexico state statute to take action to reduce ozone Pollution.

But we can’t just rely on companies to follow regulations and operate lawfully. We all have a role to play in reducing air Pollution and protecting our environment. One way we can do this is by reducing our own carbon footprint through actions such as using public transportation, conserving energy, and supporting sustainable practices.

Make Some Noise Tee by Tiny Rescue: Climate Collection

Related Content:

• Beijing Blanketed in Sandstorm as Air Pollution Soars Off the Charts
• Air Pollution Could Speed Up Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women
• Breathless in India: The Need for Collective Action Against Air Pollution Crisis
• Air Pollution Linked to Nearly One Million Stillbirths
• Air Pollution is Making Human Bones More Brittle, According to New Study

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Take initiative by standing up against fast fashion Pollution and supporting sustainable and circular brands like Tiny Rescue that raise awareness around important issues through recycled zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade over and over again.
• Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
• Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!