Oil companies reach settlement over spills in Wyoming

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In response to complaints that they spilled oil that made its way into waterways that feed the Clark’s Fork and Powder rivers, Anadarko Oil and two subsidiaries have agreed to pay more than $1 million and institute improvements that could cost an estimated $8 million.

Development of coal-bed methane in north-central Wyoming and parts of Montana has been controversial, sparking numerous complaints from ranchers and environmental groups that drilling and processing methods have harmed surface waters and depleted ground water.

A complaint filed with a consent decree alleges that Anadarko and its subsidiaries, Howell Petroleum Corp. and Howell Corp. discharged ‘harmful quantities’ of oil on 35 occasions over five years. (Wyoming’s environmental regulators recorded 136 spills from Howell facilities, 17 of which reached state waters.)

The consent decree, filed in U.S. District Court in Wyoming, resolves complaints from the Environmental Protection Agency over alleged violations of the Clean Water Act.

-- Geoffrey Mohan