Apr 16, 2013 2 min read

Two midstream companies in Washington County that process and transport natural gas have agreed to improve their operations after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency found problems at their facilities.

The EPA alleges that MarkWest Liberty Midstream and Resources, which has 14 compressor stations and a Houston processing plant, and Laurel Mountain Midstream Operating, which has a facility in Bulger, failed to comply with Clean Air Act regulations. However, Christopher Rimkus, speaking for MarkWest Energy Partners, noted the violations did not involve air emissions from the compressor stations.

The EPA inspected 10 of MarkWest’s compressor stations between Sept. 27 and 29 and determined that pressure-releasing devices were needed on condensate tanks in the event of an emergency.

While MarkWest does not feel that those relief capacity valves are needed because the tanks currently have devices, Rimkus said, the company has agreed to replace them as part of its ongoing commitment to work with the EPA. The EPA suggests upgrades as part of risk management program, he said.

In addition, the EPA on Sept. 30 inspected the Robin Hill plant at 1400 Bigger Road owned and operated by Laurel Mountain Midstream.

At the time, EPA noticed a lack of fire protection systems for two 30,000-gallon extracted-liquids storage tanks. The EPA suggested the company add fire protection that would include water deluge or water spray systems and fixed monitors.

Laurel Mountain has agreed to add the systems as part of its risk management program and conduct training exercises with local emergency officials.