South Dakota fines Chevron for biogas facility violations
The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has imposed a penalty on Chevron New Energies for violations discovered at its biogas facility in Turner County. During a December 2025 inspection, regulators identified several deficiencies at the Chevron Bright Mark operation located at Full Circle Dairy, northwest of Hurley. The PUC approved a civil penalty of $27,912.50 during a hearing on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
Chevron’s attorney, Jeremy Duff, acknowledged the violations and stated that the company has already taken steps to correct them. Mary Zanter, the PUC’s pipeline safety program manager, described the issues as a result of inconsistencies during the facility’s transition from its original owner to Chevron, calling it a “rookie mistake.”
Commissioner Kristie Fiegen commended Chevron for addressing the problems and praised the PUC staff for their professionalism in handling the situation. Commissioner Gary Hanson also highlighted the work of the commission’s staff, particularly Zanter, in ensuring compliance and requesting the penalty.