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FWS Alleged Scientific Integrity Violation and Retaliation

Report Number
18-0482

The OIG investigated allegations that a former U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) assistant hatchery manager directed an FWS biologist to validate an inaccurate cause of death for an endangered fish species in a mortality report to cover up alleged neglect at an FWS fishery. It was also alleged that a culture of censorship existed within that FWS region’s management. We investigated this matter jointly with the U.S. Department of the Interior’s (DOI’s) scientific integrity coordinators, Office of Quality and Science Integrity, U.S.

Investigation
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

United States

Oil and Gas Company Committed Mineral Trespass Violations

The OIG investigated SRC Energy’s self-reported disclosure that it drilled wells through a railroad right-of-way without obtaining a Federal lease or permit to drill. SRC, an oil and gas company based in Colorado, reported its activities to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which referred the matter to our office for investigation. We determined that in 2014, SRC committed mineral trespass violations when it knowingly drilled two horizontal wells in Colorado and produced Federal minerals without a properly executed mineral lease, resulting in a loss of public revenue.

Investigation
Bureau of Land Management

United States

USGS Staff Did not Immediately Inform Their Supervisors About NRC Violations

Report Number
19-0449

The OIG investigated an allegation that U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) senior leaders may not have been forthcoming to the USGS Director about their knowledge of violations identified by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). In 2018, the NRC issued the USGS a civil penalty for infractions identified during an inspection of a USGS test reactor facility.

Investigation
U.S. Geological Survey

United States

NPS Employee Made Inappropriate Sexual Advances Towards a Colleague

Report Number
19-0166

The OIG investigated allegations that a U.S. National Park Service (NPS) employee sexually harassed a colleague during a trip to gather data from a weather station. We found that the employee made unwanted sexual advances towards the colleague during an off-duty road trip including hugging, kissing, and making inappropriate comments.

Investigation
National Park Service

United States

Issues Identified with State Practices in Subaward Administration for Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program Grants

Report Number
2018-CR-064

Under the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) provides grant funds to eligible States to conserve, restore, and manage wildlife and sport fish resources. States may provide Program funds to other non-Federal entities to accomplish or support grant-related activities. State officials must use judgment in determining whether these partnerships align more closely with the characteristics of a subaward of financial assistance to a subrecipient or of procurement from a contractor.

Other
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Verification Review – Recommendations for the Report, Offshore Oil and Gas Permitting, U.S. Department of the Interior (Report No. CR-EV-BSEE-0006-2013)

Report Number
2019-CR-048

We completed a verification review of eight recommendations presented in the subject report. The objective of this review was to determine whether the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement implemented the recommendations as reported to the Office of Financial Management (PFM), Office of Policy, Management and Budget. The PFM reported to us that it closed the recommendations. We concur that all the recommendations have been resolved and implemented.

Review
Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement

United States

Gas Marketing Company Conspired to Defraud Oil and Gas Companies on Leased Land

Report Number
16-0242

The OIG investigated allegations that a gas marketing company, B. Charles Rogers Gas, Ltd. (BCR), underreported natural gas liquid volumes and overcharged companies producing gas from Federal wells in New Mexico, which resulted in a loss of Federal and tribal mineral royalties. We found that Billy Charles Rogers, Jr., and Wynon Rogers, co-owners of the BCR, and Thomas R. Lutner, III conspired to defraud approximately 30 oil and gas companies.

Investigation
Office of Natural Resources Revenue

United States

Negligent Workers Who Triggered Fatal Explosion in Gulf of Mexico Sentenced To Probation and Fines

Report Number
13-0074

The OIG investigated allegations that workers aboard an offshore oil production platform violated Federal regulations, which resulted in an explosion that killed three platform workers and spilled oil into the Gulf of Mexico in November 2012. We found that three individuals and three companies—Black Elk Energy Offshore Operations, LLC (Black Elk), Wood Group PSN, Inc.; and Grand Isle Shipyards, Inc.—were negligent in their responsibility to safely conduct welding operations aboard the offshore oil production platform.

Investigation
Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement

United States

Investigative Report of Alleged Improper Influence by the Secretary of the Interior in the FWS' Scientific Process

Report Number
19-0434

We investigated an allegation that Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt, when he was the Deputy Secretary, interfered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (FWS’) scientific process during an assessment of the effects of pesticides on endangered species. We investigated whether Secretary Bernhardt exceeded or abused his authority by influencing consultations between the FWS and the U.S.

Investigation
Other

United States

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