DEP Issues Notice of Violation Over Smoke at MarkWest Compressor Station

Editor's Note: This story was updated at 11:55 a.m. Wednesday to add a statement issued by MarkWest.

The state Department of Environmental Protection on Wednesday announced that it issued a notice of violation to MarkWest Liberty Midsteam over heavy smoke emanating from its compressor station in nearby Houston earlier this month that could be seen from miles away.

DEP spokesman John Poister issued the following written statement:

"On July 29 DEP’s Southwest Region Air Quality program issued a notice of violation to MarkWest Liberty Midstream and Resources for violations of the company’s plan approval for the startup and operation of a de-ethanizer at the Houston gas processing facility in Washington County.  

MarkWest violated Pennsylvania’s Environmental Protection codes by operating in a manner inconsistent with good operating practices, which caused black smoke to be emitted out of the flare stack at the facility. Additionally, the company failed to notify DEP five working days prior to the startup of the de-ethanizer.

On July 14 and 15, the department received numerous complaints and pictures regarding thick plumes of black smoke coming from the flare stack. DEP investigators determined that the company was not operating the new equipment in accordance with the conditions of their plan approval.  

A plan approval is an authorization for construction and temporary operation that is used when new equipment must undergo testing and adjustment. Once the equipment is operating to spec, the company applies for an operating permit.

In addition to the NOV, the company is required to develop (a) control plan— (to) show how they will eliminate and prevent these smoke incidents in the future. The company has 15 days to submit the plan.

This is the second NOV the department has issued for smoke coming from this flare stack. On Dec. 10, 2012, the department issued an NOV to MarkWest for operating in a manner inconsistent with good operating practices.

The Air Quality staff will review the company’s control plan. At that point the department will determine what level of enforcement action (fine) is appropriate."

MarkWest spokesman Robert McHale issued the following statement Wednesday morning:

"MarkWest recently experienced several controlled flares at our Houston facility associated with bringing new equipment online. 

As designed, our automated safety control system isolated and directed natural gas liquids to the facility's flare while our operations personnel worked to make necessary adjustments. 

Public safety was never at risk and the safety equipment worked as designed. We reported these events to DEP and have received a notice of violation related to the opacity events, as well as for not providing proper startup notice for the new equipment. 

We will continue to work with DEP to evaluate the issue and will take all necessary steps to minimize the potential of such events. We appreciate the community's patience and understanding as this new equipment is put into operation."