ECMC issues violation notice to Noble Energy following Chevron well site investigation

The Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) has taken decisive action following the Bishop Well incident, issuing a Notice of Alleged Violation (NOAV) to Noble Energy Inc., the operator of record for the site. This enforcement action comes after a thorough investigation, which included collaboration with OSHA and a detailed root cause analysis.

During the June 26 hearing, ECMC officials emphasized the importance of accountability in the oil and gas sector, stating, "the entity ultimately responsible for all actions on their oil and gas location is the operator." Noble Energy, a subsidiary of Chevron, was found to have violated six specific rules related to safety and operational impacts, prompting the commission to act.

The NOAV, which was issued just hours before the meeting, marks the first formal step in the enforcement process. It requires Noble Energy to address the identified violations and implement corrective actions to prevent future occurrences. ECMC staff highlighted their commitment to fairness and consistency in the enforcement process, ensuring that all allegations are thoroughly adjudicated.

As the investigation continues, the commission remains focused on understanding the broader implications of the incident, particularly for other operators with similar wellhead assemblies. The ECMC's proactive stance aims to enhance safety standards across the industry and protect public interests.