Permian Basin Targa Resources Corp. Methane Toxicity Lawsuit

On February 3, 2023, Targa Resources Corp. disclosed an incident that resulted in 10 tons of methane being released into the atmosphere. According to state regulations, companies that operate in Texas must promptly notify regulators when malfunctions result in the release of more hazardous pollutants that what is allowed by permits. The Targa incident occurred on January 20, 2023 – it was reported two weeks later. According to the company, the incident happened when the station’s compressors unexpectedly shut down due to a broken belt. To avoid a dangerous buildup of pressure, safety valves released gas into the atmosphere for over three hours – specifically from about 10:13am to 1:33pm.

Satellite images showed a plume of methane gas near one of Targa’s compressor stations in the heart of the Permian Basin in Midland County, Texas that correlate with the time frame of the incident. It is estimated that the plume had an emissions rate of 21 metric tons an hour. The company has not made any statement regarding why it waited so long to report the incident, even though regulations require incidents to be reported within 24 hours.

Although small quantities of methane are essentially harmless, methane toxicity can occur. More specifically, when large quantities of methane gas displaces air, the lack of oxygen could result in suffocation and other harm.

If you or a loved one suffered methane toxicity associated with this incident in Texas, you could have grounds to file a lawsuit against Targa Resources Corp. For more information about the legal options available to you and your family, contact the experts here at our law firm today.

Here at the Downtown L.A. Law Group, our lawyers are more than ready to provide you with all the information that you need to begin or continue your claim. Our lawyers have decades of experience handling all sorts of claims, including those associated with exposure to gases. If you are ready to explore the legal options available to you and learn more about your rights, contact the experts here at our firm today.

As mentioned above, methane is harmless in small amounts. However, high concentrations of methane in the air can displace oxygen. When inhaled, methane can cause significant harm. More specifically, those exposed to high levels of methane in the air can experience rapid breathing, rapid heart rate, clumsiness, fatigue, and emotional upsets. Given that oxygen levels continue to reduce, additional symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, collapse, loss of consciousness, seizures, coma, and even death.

In addition, it is important to note that methane is highly flammable. Therefore, even the smallest spark (like static discharge) an result in an explosion and in a fire.

If you or a loved one suffered harm after being exposed to large amounts of methane gas due to the incident mentioned above or any other incident, it is important that you seek legal assistance immediately – you could have the right to file a lawsuit.