At the facility, the respondent primarily engages in the production of oil and gas from underground reservoirs. The operation at the Facility includes various piping, heater treaters, and a high-low pressure separator vessel used for separating well fluids into gaseous and liquid components. Natural gas is a highly flammable gaseous hydrocarbon mixture containing methane, ethane, propane and butane, which are regulated substances listed in table 3 of 40 CFR 68.130. Natural gas itself’ is an extremely hazardous substance that may ignite, Flashback or explode when exposed to a source of ignition. At the Facility, respondent produces, processes, handles, or stores substances listed in, or pursuant to, CAA 112(r)(33 or other extremely hazardous substances identified as such due to toxicity, reactivity, flammability, volatility, or corrosivity. The release of natural gas at the Facility on July 26, 2014, constituted an “accidental release” as that term is defined by section 112(r)(2)(A) of the CAA. Respondent failed to design and maintain a safe facility and did not take such necessary steps to prevent accidental releases by not ensuring safety during forklift operations in and around piping containing explosive and flammable liquids and gases. Respondent’s failure constitutes a violation of the general duly clause in section 112(r)(1) of the CAA. EPA and respondent agree that an appropriate penalty to settle this matter is $30,000. CLICK HERE for source