Samantha Simmons

September 16, 2007

The Meridian Resource & Exploration LLC ("Meridian") settled with EPA for $504,000 over five separate oil spills occurring in Iberia Parish, Louisiana between 2005 and 2006. Meridian released one spill into the Gulf of Mexico Intracoastal Waterway and the other four into the Weeks Bayou and adjoining shorelines and wetlands. According to the complaint, the largest spill resulted in the discharge of at least 736 barrels of crude oil into the Weeks Bayou and adjoining shorelines and wetlands. Altogether the five spills resulted in the discharge of 747 barrels of crude oil.

EPA brought the action against Meridian for violations of the Clean Water Act. On September 6, 2007 Meridian agreed to pay $504,000 in civil penalties for the oil spills. According to the consent decree, the company has agreed to improve its pipeline monitoring, inspection, and maintenance program, which will include both internal and external corrosion prevention, and to retain an independent consultant to evaluate Meridian's pipeline maintenance and monitoring efforts. Meridian also has replaced most of the 6" diameter pipeline that was the source of three of the spills.

Sources:

Consent Decree, U.S. v. Meridian Resource & Exploration LLC, (W.D. LA 2007), available at http://www.usdoj.gov/enrd/Consent_Decrees.html.

Complaint, U.S. v. Meridian Resource & Exploration LLC, (W.D.LA 2007), available at http://www.usdoj.gov/enrd/Consent_Decrees/Meridian/MeridianComplaintFiledFINAL.pdf.