Chevron Knowingly Used Sub-Standard Technology in Ecuador that was Already Illegal and Violated Industry Practice in the Major Oil-Producing U.S. States

FACT: Chevron discharged more than 18 billion gallons of produced water (toxic waste discharge from drilling) directly into the Ecuadorian rainforest.

Could they have done this in the U.S.A.? Of course not.

• In 1942, Louisiana required that no produced water “shall be allowed to run into natural drainage channels” forcing Chevron to employ re-injection technology (firing the toxic water back deep into the borehole) at its Louisiana inland oil fields.
• In 1958 and 1960, California issued permits to Chevron specifying that waste discharge could not result in pollution of surface or groundwater. In addition, only produced water with low salinity and low chloride and boron levels could be discharged – all the produced water discharged by Chevron in Ecuador exceeded these standards.
• In 1969, Texas prohibited the discharge of produced water into dry creeks, flowing creeks and rivers, “which is not an acceptable disposal operation.”
• In 1979, the U.S. EPA prohibited the discharge of produced waters into navigable waters.

FACT: Chevron stored drilling muds and other waste products in 800–1,000 open, unlined pits in the Ecuadorian rainforest.

Could they have done this in the U.S.A? Of course not.

• In 1939, Texas implemented a regulation whereby “no person… shall store, either permanently or temporarily, crude petroleum oil or the products and by-products thereof in open pits or earthen storage.”
• In 1942, Louisiana effectively banned the use of unlined pits, which could overflow into surface waters or leach into soil and groundwater.

FACT: Chevron used horizontal flares on produced water pits, which created continuous clouds of toxic smoke.

Could they have done this in the U.S.A.? Of course not.

• In 1973, the standard industry practice in California was to use “smokeless flares,” which complied with the state Health & Safety Code.