U.S. EPA Lifts W&T Offshore's Suspension

Published Aug 7, 2014 9:55 AM by The Maritime Executive

W&T Offshore, Inc. announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lifted the suspension and proposed debarment, and removed the statutory disqualification, previously imposed by the EPA. This action is subject to the condition that the Company continue to comply with the conditions of its existing plea agreement (previously announced January 3, 2013) resolving environmental violations relating to the Company's Ewing Banks 910 platform in the Gulf of Mexico. The EPA's action allows full participation by W&T Offshore, Inc. in future federal contracts, including future federal oil and gas leases, assistance activities and federal oil and gas leasing activities.

Tracy W. Krohn, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, stated, "This decision demonstrates W&T's dedication to compliance and prudent operations in the Gulf of Mexico. We take our responsibility to protect the environment and the safety of our employees and contractors very seriously."

In December 2012, W&T was charged with one felony count of tampering with, falsifying or rendering inaccurate a monitoring method required to be maintained under the Clean Water Act, and one misdemeanor count for the negligent discharge of oil into the waters of the United States.