EEPA resolves Arrow Pipeline air pollution violations in North Dakota

EEPA resolves Arrow Pipeline air pollution violations in North Dakota

Company to pay $450K penalty

December 12, 2024

Bismarck, N.D. (December 12, 2024) - Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a consent agreement with Arrow Pipeline, LLC, resolving Arrow Pipeline's Clean Air Act violations on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, North Dakota.

EPA observed visible smoke (particulate) emissions and hydrocarbon emissions comprised of volatile organic compounds and potentially toxic hazardous air pollutants, from multiple Arrow Pipeline natural gas compressor stations on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation during a routine inspection in June 2023. EPA also found that the company failed to meet records management requirements under its operating permits. Arrow Pipeline corrected the violations and agreed to pay a $450,000 penalty as part of the consent agreement.

"I'm encouraged Arrow Pipeline has taken steps to properly address its air pollution violations on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation," said KC Becker, EPA Regional Administrator. "This successful outcome demonstrates EPA's commitment to protecting Tribal communities that are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of poor air quality."

Arrow Pipeline owns and operates seven compressor stations on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation which include engines, tanks and flares that help move natural gas through the pipeline. These stations are subject to permit requirements enforced by EPA under the Clean Air Act.

During its evaluation, EPA detected visible smoke (particulate) emissions from a flare and hydrocarbon emissions from closed vent systems controlling vapors from hydrocarbon liquid storage tanks, violating the terms of Arrow Pipeline's Clean Air Act permits. Arrow Pipeline also failed to operate, monitor and maintain records in accordance with engine requirements in the permits.

Industrial sources of pollution like Arrow Pipeline are subject to requirements of Clean Air Act permitting programs that help prevent emissions of air pollutants. Learn more about these permit programs in North Dakota and how they protect human health and the environment on the EPA Region 8 website.