The state Industrial Commission will be requiring more documentation from oil and gas regulators – before any potential fine imposed on oil and gas companies can be reduced.
"Going forward, we will have a written narrative on what is specifically to be done in exchange for any discounting of a fine," said Gov. Jack Dalrymple (R), who chairs the Commission.
"Part of the direction we received was -- if a consent agreement is reached, it clearly spells out any work the offending party has performed in correcting the violation and preventing future violations, as well as anything they're doing, have done or are expected to do to receive any suspension of a penalty," said state mineral resources director Lynn Helms.
Helms says this information had been given verbally to the Commission.
"It was never part of the consent agreement document," said Helms. "So it was never put out there in black-and-white."
Instead, Helms said things were summarized in the Department's quarterly report, starting in about June.
"This will now be spelled out in detail in consent agreements," said Helms.
Helsm said he believes the current system has worked to help companies avoid similar offenses.
"We haven't had a repeat offense of a similar nature in over four years," said Helms. "We haven't had any recidivism."
This comes as the Industrial Commission has been criticized for substantially lowering fines levied on the oil companies. Williams County Commissioners passed a resolution objecting to a proposed reduction of a $2.4 million fine to a pipeline company for a 3 million gallon saltwater leak into Blacktail Creek.