A woman whose husband and brother were killed in a gas explosion in Firestone, Colorado, says it’s hard to believe the company responsible will only face a fine.
On 13 April, the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) approved an $18.25 million fine against Kerr-McGee, a subsidiary of Anadarko Petroleum, which has now been acquired by Occidental Petroleum. The COGCC says it is the largest enforcement penalty it has ever leveled.
The money will go to establish the Mark Martinez and Joey Irwin Memorial Public Projects Fund. The two men were in the basement of Martinez’s home working on a water heater in April 2017 when a leaking gas flowline filled the home with odorless gas, leading to the explosion.
Erin Martinez, who was injured in the explosion along with her son, says the fine sends a message that “Colorado won’t tolerate negligent behavior” and that “safety must be the top priority.” She says she will continue to stay engaged in oil and gas safety to make sure another family doesn’t have to experience the “senseless loss” that her family has experienced.
“I want to acknowledge Mrs. Martinez for her commitment to improve the safety and the lives of all Coloradans. You are making a difference. While none of this will ever make up for your loss, your courage through this tragedy has been an inspiration to me and everyone,” said Dan Gibbs, executive director of the Department of Natural Resources and chair of the COGCC Commissioners.
“We thank Mrs. Martinez, the Commissioners, and COGCC staff for their work that will ensure the state of Colorado’s oil and gas operations are conducted in a manner that is protective of the public’s health, safety, welfare, wildlife, and the environment,” said COGCC Director Jeff Robbins. “Over the next few months, the COGCC will be focused on developing new rules that reflect this commitment to protect Coloradans in oil and gas operations.”
The COGCC released a list of proposed projects to be funded with the settlement money. The agency, in conjection with the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment, will oversee the projects.