CHICAGO (July 25, 2023) – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has reached a settlement with Team Disposal Systems, LLC of Kalkaska, Michigan, over alleged violations of federal Safe Drinking Water Act requirements aimed at protecting groundwater from waste associated with oil and natural gas production. The company has paid a penalty of $176,804.
EPA alleges that for several years, Team Disposal Systems violated monitoring, reporting and record-keeping requirements for its three underground injection control permits for Class II wells in Grand Traverse and Manistee counties in Michigan. Class II wells are used only to inject fluids, usually brines (salt water), brought to the surface during oil and natural gas production.
On August 29, 2022, EPA turned over responsibility to the state of Michigan to administer and serve as the primary enforcement authority for the regulation of Class II wells. However, EPA retains primary enforcement authority for Class II wells subject to “ongoing EPA enforcement” from prior to Michigan receiving this responsibility. Once the enforcement action is closed and back into compliance, the permits will be transferred to the state.
Learn how EPA is protecting drinking water from underground injection.