The Environmental Protection Agency announced an agreement with three oil companies that were accused of polluting water on the Fort Peck Reservation in Montana.

Murphy Exploration & Production Co., Pioneer Natural Resources USA, Inc. and Samson Hydrocarbons Co will be required to monitor the water supply in the city of Poplar. They agreed to provide treatment for water, or offer an alternative, should problems be detected.

“Murphy, Pioneer and Samson have made a commitment to ensure that the City of Poplar’s taps remain safe,” Jim Martin, the EPA’s Region 8 administrator, said in a press release. “The companies will continue to monitor water quality and will take all actions necessary to maintain an uninterrupted supply of safe water to residents.”

The Fort Peck Tribes operate the Fort Peck Tribe Water Resource, the water system in Poplar. The agreement requires the oil companies to pay $320,000 to reimburse the city for water expenses.

Get the Story:
EPA, three oil companies reach deal over Fort Peck water pollution (The Great Falls Tribune 3/27)