DAYTON, Texas – Residents in Dayton said they continue to deal with oil spills and leakages on their property coming from equipment owned by Jay Management Company.
On Tuesday, residents were back in court claiming the oil and gas operator violated a temporary injunction issued by a Harris County judge last month.
The plaintiff’s requested that Jay Management Company be sanctioned $50,000 for the alleged violations.
After hearing testimony for over three hours from three witnesses, Judge Lauren Reeder did not make a decision.
The plaintiffs allege from June 1 through June 12, several oil pumps, pipelines and other oil and gas production equipment controlled by Jay Management continued to cause leakage and discharge of crude oil and other petrochemicals into the air, onto the ground and other natural surfaces.
“I’m hoping they will clean up all the pollution out there because it doesn’t just affect us, it is affecting new neighborhoods that are being built in Dayton. Our animals and health are being affected. We just want to live a nice, clean and healthy life,” Amaris Argueta said.
Last month, Judge Reeder granted a temporary injunction. Under the temporary injunction, the court ruled homeowners have suffered damages because of ongoing oil spills and leakage. However, the court also acknowledged that Jay Management Company may continue oil and gas production, while it ensures drilling operations won’t lead to more leaks or spillage.
The order also states that the company is required to ensure that its equipment is functioning properly. Residents must allow the company access to its equipment and other assets to make repairs.
“I do believe they are violating the order. I do believe we provided sufficient evidence that they continue to violate the order and don’t make sure that their equipment is not utilized unless it’s working properly and not leaking,” Attorney Roy Elizondo said.
Attorneys for Jay Management Company released a statement,
" At the end of the hearing, Judge Reeder indicated she would take the case under advisement and we are awaiting her ruling.”
-Jay Management Co
As part of the temporary injunction, the judge ordered both attorneys to meet with a mediator in the next 30 days.
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