BISMARCK – A pipeline company has agreed to pay the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency a $450,000 penalty as part of a consent agreement, resolving the company’s Clean Air Act violations on the Fort Berthold Reservation.

The EPA announced on Thursday the consent agreement with Arrow Pipeline, LLC.

According to an EPA news release, EPA observed visible smoke (particulate) emissions and hydrocarbon emissions, comprised of volatile organic compounds and potentially toxic hazardous air pollutants, from multiple Arrow Pipeline natural gas compressor stations on the Fort Berthold Reservation during a routine inspection in June 2023. EPA also found that the company failed to meet records management requirements under its operating permits. Arrow Pipeline corrected the violations and agreed to pay the $450,000 penalty as part of the consent agreement.

“I’m encouraged Arrow Pipeline has taken steps to properly address its air pollution violations on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation,” said KC Becker, EPA regional administrator.

Arrow Pipeline owns and operates seven compressor stations on the Fort Berthold Reservation which include engines, tanks and flares that help move natural gas through the pipeline. The stations are subject to permit requirements enforced by EPA under the Clean Air Act.

During its evaluation, EPA detected visible smoke (particulate) emissions from a flare and hydrocarbon emissions from closed vent systems controlling vapors from hydrocarbon liquid storage tanks, violating the terms of Arrow Pipeline’s Clean Air Act permits. Arrow Pipeline also failed to operate, monitor and maintain records in accordance with engine requirements in the permits.