On February 21, 2018, EPA Region 6 and Devon Energy Corporation (Devon) entered into an Administrative Order on Consent (AOC) under Clean Air Act (CAA) Authority for addressing potential violations at multiple energy extraction facilities owned/operated by Devon in the Eagle Ford Shale Formation (EFS) located in the state of Texas. The AOC was issued in response to the following types of violations:
a. Devon Energy violated 30 T.A.C. 106.4(c) by failing to maintain in good condition and properly operate the emissions control equipment at certain Facilities;
b. Devon Energy violated 30 T.A.C. 106.492(l)(B) by failing to equip certain Facilities with a continuously burning pilot or automatic ignition system that assures gas ignition;
c. Devon Energy violated 30 T.A.C. 106.352(e)(11)(E) by failing to operate flares used for control of emissions from production units such that the flares are lit at all times when gas streams are present;
d. Devon Energy violated 30 T.A.C. 106.352(m), Table 8, by failing to record the time, date, and duration of any loss of flame, pilot flame, or auto-ignition;
e. Devon Energy violated 30 T.A.C. 106.352(e)(1) by failing to ensure that hatch seals were maintained in good working order and operated properly during facility operations;
f. Devon Energy violated 30 T.A.C. 106.352(e)(5)(C) by failing to ensure that thief hatches, which are not designed to be completely sealed, were closed except during sampling, gauging, loading, unloading, or pl