Select Energy Services, Inc.

Select Energy Services, Inc. (now Select Water Solutions, Inc.) was criminally charged for its role in a scheme to bypass air pollution controls at natural gas well sites. The company entered into a non-prosecution agreement and paid a $2.3 million monetary penalty in 2020. The charges stemmed from a conspiracy where a subsidiary, Rockwater Northeast LLC, pleaded guilty to violating the Clean Air Act by using “green completion” equipment to intentionally vent natural gas—a potent greenhouse gas—directly into the atmosphere instead of capturing it. This deliberate act of air pollution, documented by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s criminal enforcement division, caused significant, preventable environmental harm. The incident is recorded in ViolationTracker as a major air pollution violation. While the company has since rebranded with a “water-first” focus, this criminal enforcement action for intentional environmental damage remains a material part of its operational record.