From January 27 to February 9, DEP’s Oil and Gas Compliance Database shows oil and gas inspectors filed 1,672 inspection entries.
[Note: This report includes information from two week’s worth of DEP Oil and Gas Program inspections.]
So far this year-- as of February 2 --
-- NOVs Issued In Last Week: 41 conventional, 35 unconventional
-- Year To Date - NOVs Issued: 507 conventional and 119 unconventional
-- Enforcements 2024: 30 conventional and 9 unconventional
-- Inspections Last Week: 269 conventional and 473 unconventional
-- Year To Date - Inspections: 1,258 conventional and 2,493 unconventional
-- Wells Drilled Last Week: 4 conventional and 5 unconventional
-- Year To Date Wells Drilled: 12 conventional and 38 unconventional
Court Actions
-- On January 29, 2024, Protect PT announced Commonwealth Court issued an opinion vacating the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County’s order affirming the decision of the Plum Zoning Hearing Board [Allegheny County] and remanding the Penneco Environmental Solutions, LLC Sadat 4a oil and gas wastewater injection well approval back to the Plum Borough Zoning Hearing Board.
The order requires the Zoning Hearing Board to make additional findings of fact or to conduct further hearings to establish such facts prior to granting Penneco’s request to expand its injection well operations in Plum Borough.
The Commonwealth Court held that, while Penneco has a constitutional right to the natural expansion of its non-conforming injection well, that right is not without limitations. Read more here.
-- On February 7, 2024, the Environmental Hearing Board issued an opinion and order granting part of an Apex Energy (PA) LLC motion to dismiss parts of a Protect PT appeal of the renewal of shale gas well permits at the Drakulic well pad in Penn Township, Westmoreland County.
The Board ruled that all or parts of 15 of the 107 paragraphs outlining the grounds listed by Protect PT in the appeal challenge the initial permits issued by DEP and were dismissed. EHB Docket 2023074. Read more here.
-- On February 7, 2024, Liberty Township and the Citizens Environmental Association of Slippery Rock Area filed an appeal with Commonwealth Court of the Environmental Hearing Board decision denying their appeal of a DEP permit for the Tri-County Landfill in Mercer County.
Among the issues raised by the appellants in their original appeal were-- concerns the landfill’s operation would attract birds and interfere with the operation of the nearby Grove City Airport; that the oil and gas drilling wastes the landfill was allowed to accept presented a radiation hazard; and the landfill’s compliance history. Read more here.
39 Abandoned Conventional Well NOVs
On January 26, 2024, DEP issued a notice of violation to Equitrans Midstream for abandoning and not plugging 19 conventional gas wells at the Swarts Natural Gas Storage Field in Greene County.
DEP said 17 of the wells were used for injection/withdrawal of natural gas and two were observation wells. According to DEP’s well list, many of the wells were originally drilled in the 1940s.
DEP requested a written report by February 24, 2024 on how Equitrans will bring the wells into compliance. Read more here.
On January 31, 2024, DEP issued another series of violations to Equitrans LP for conventional gas wells at the Swarts Natural Gas Storage Field in Greene County for abandoning and failure to plug wells within 2,000 feet of a coal mining operation.
The wells include D.K. Phillips Estate 3791, 3782, 3795 and 3787.
DEP’s inspection reports [example #3793] requested the operator to submit a written report by February 29, 2024 on how the wells will be brought into compliance.
On January 30, 2024, DEP did a follow-up inspection of the OTT 1 conventional gas well operated by Rice Drilling B LLC [EQT] in North Bethlehem Township, Washington County and found the operator stopped the gas leak, but the well remains abandoned and not plugged.
DEP’s inspection report continues the violation for well abandonment, but there are no further follow-up actions.
On January 31, 2024, DEP did a follow-up inspection of the Maude Mountain 1 conventional gas well operated by Diversified Prod LLC in Springfield Township, Fayette County and found the operator had failed to correct any violations.
Violations were issued on December 28, 2023 for well abandonment and failure to plug the well and the venting of gas and requested a plan to bring the well into compliance by January 11, 2024.
The operator said in a January 18, 2024 response to the violation they would fix the gas leak, but DEP’s inspection report shows they didn’t.
DEP again requested the operator to submit a report by February 14, 2024 on how the well would be brought into compliance.
On January 31, 2024, DEP did a follow-up inspection of the J. Lawrence Beth Ann Adams 2 conventional gas well operated by STK Investments LLC in Washington Township, Lawrence County and found the well was still venting gas to the atmosphere and abandoned by the operator.
DEP continued violations issued on June 8, 2023 for abandoning the well without plugging and failure to stop the movement of gas from the well bore.
DEP’s inspection report notes the inspector was on site with a contractor to quantify the amount of methane leaking from the well.
On February 1, 2024, DEP did a follow-up inspection of the American Window 1 conventional well in Washington Township, Fayette County operated by Bemorich, Inc. and found the operator took no actions to correct the violations at the site.
DEP issued violations on October 12, 2023 for well abandonment and not submitting annual production and waste generation and well integrity reports.
The operator was supposed to submit a report to DEP by November 12, 2023 on how the well was to be brought into compliance, but obviously that didn’t happen.
DEP’s inspection report continues all the violations and requests the operator to submit a written report by February 15, 2024 on how the well will be brought into compliance.
On February 1, 2024, DEP did a follow-up inspection of the T.S. Grier 402-1 conventional gas well in North Strabane Township, Washington County operated by Keystone Crude LLC and found it to be abandoned and not plugged and leaking gas.
DEP issued violations related to abandonment, failure to submit annual production and waste generation and well integrity report and for other infractions.
DEP’s inspection report requested a written response by February 26, 2024 on how the well will be brought into compliance.
On February 5, 2024, DEP did a routine inspection of the RA King 1 conventional well in Springfield Township, Erie County operated by Midterra Assoc. Inc. and found it to be abandoned and not plugged.
DEP issued violations related to abandonment, failure to submit annual production and waste generation and well integrity report and for other infractions.
DEP’s inspection report requested a written report by March 1, 2024 on how the operator plans to bring the site into compliance.
On February 6, 2024, DEP did a follow-up inspection of the Penn Park Dev & Crest 1 conventional well in Kiskiminetas Township, Armstrong County operated by Baron Crest Energy Co. and found the operator had taken no actions to correct the violations at the site.
DEP issued violations on January 5, 2024 for well abandonment and requested the operator to submit a report by January 30, 2024 on how the well will be brought into compliance. No report was received.
DEP’s inspection report continued the violations, but did not note any follow-up actions.
On February 5 & 6, 2024, DEP did a routine inspections of nine conventional wells-- Breene-Eagle Rock #3- 13Q, 14Q, 15Q, 16Q, 17Q, 18Q, 19Q, 24Q, and 36Q-- in Allegheny Township, Venango County operated by Rock Oil Resources LLC and found them all to be abandoned and not plugged.
DEP issued notices of violations for abandonment, failure to submit annual production and waste generation and well integrity reports and for other violations.
The inspector noted these wells were part of a lease with 36 conventional wells operated by Elizabeth Wagner (a.k.a. Rock Oil Resources LLC) that she attempted to transfer to another owner-- Samuel Esh (a.k.a. Great Cacapon Enterprises)-- but the application was withdrawn in 2023.
Some of DEP’s inspection reports [18Q example] included a request for a written report to be submitted by March 8, 2024 on how the operator planned to bring the wells into compliance and others didn’t include any follow-up actions.
72 Conventional Abandoned Well NOVs
So far in 2024, DEP issued new or continued 72 notices of violation for conventional oil and gas well abandonment.
2 New Abandoned Shale Gas Wells
On February 1, 2024, DEP did a routine inspection of the Emrick 1H (Elk Township) and Ashbaugh 1H (Ashland Township) shale gas well pads in Clarion County operated by Diversified Prod LLC and found them to be abandoned and not plugged.
The inspection reports note the well was “transferred from Stone Energy Corp to EQT Prod Co in 2016 and from EQT Prod Co to Diversified Production LLC in 2021.”
DEP’s inspection reports requested a written report by February 26, 2024 on how the operator will bring the wells into compliance. [Ashbaugh + Emrick]
So far in 2024, DEP has issued notices of violation for seven abandoned shale gas wells. Four of the wells are in the process of being plugged by the operator.
Plugging Abandoned Shale Gas Wells
From January 29 to February 6, 2024, DEP did routine inspections of abandoned well plugging operations at the Patton shale gas well pad in Prospect Borough, Butler County operated by XTO Energy, Inc. [Exxon].
DEP observed plugging Patton wells 3H and 4H. Example DEP inspection report - 3H, one of seven filed by the inspector during those days.
Plugging Conventional Wells Operator Didn’t For 9 Years
On February 5, 2024, DEP announced it has begun an emergency project to plug two leaking, abandoned natural gas wells along Scrubgrass Road in Scott Township, Allegheny County.
Two additional wells will be plugged in the same area using federal well plugging funds.
DEP has been trying to get the operators of the wells-- Economy Natural Gas Inc. and Michael Harju (who actually share the same address in Armstrong County)-- to stop the gas leaks and plug the wells for nearly nine years, according to DEP inspection reports.
According to DEP’s eFACTS database, Michael Harju operates 158 conventional wells, 13 of which are listed as abandoned and Economy Natural Gas Inc. operates 110 conventional wells.
The four wells that are part of this announcement were listed as abandoned by DEP on inspection reports since the same date-- April 14, 2015. Read more here.
DEP inspectors have been onsite during the set up of well plugging operations on the Nixon 501-1 where a flare was brought in to burn off the gas coming from the abandoned well.
The DEP inspection report for February 9, 2024 notes the flaring operation and said “there is a potential that the Nixon 501-1 and Nixon 502-1 [one of the other abandoned wells to be plugged in this group] are connected.”
Click Here for a video of abandoned well gas flaring operations. [The Energy Age Blog]
Another Emergency Conventional Well Plugging
On January 29, 2024, DEP did a routine inspection of the S.B. Donaldson 3 conventional gas well in Hanover Township, Washington County operated by Prosperity Oil Co. Inc. which is being plugged under an emergency DEP contract after being abandoned by the operator.
The well as part of a stray gas investigation impacting a nearby private water well.
Violations issued at this well site by DEP on March 2, 2021 are still ongoing. DEP has taken a number of other enforcement actions against the operator for abandoning wells. Read more here.
DEP’s inspection report notes plugging operations are setting up for the process of cementing the well to the surface.
Plugging Conventional Wells Underway
On February 8, 2024, DEP did a routine inspection of four conventional wells-- Ostroske 1, 2, 3, and 7-- operated by Timberline Energy, Inc. in Cranberry Township, Venango County and found plugging underway, but not completed.
DEP issued violations for abandonment in March 2023, failure to submit annual production and waste generation and well integrity reports in October 2022 and for other violations.
DEP’s inspection reports [Ostroske 3 example] described the current status of plugging the wells.
5+ Year Struggle To Plug Nancy 13 Over
On February 5, 2024, DEP signed the certificate of well plugging for the Nancy 13 conventional well ending a five+ year struggle to get Tatonka Oil Co. LLC to plug the well in Deerfield Township, Warren County.
The well was found to be leaking brine and gas since at least December 20, 2018 as a result of a citizen complaint. [Read prior history]
DEP since then repeatedly issued violations, got a court order and finally the company cooperated. [Read more here.]
DEP’s inspection report memorializes the accomplishment.
DEP Acts On 4 Abandoned Conventional Wells For Bond Waiver Program
On January 30, 2024, DEP did an inspection and approved the use of three conventional wells as part of the Act 96 program to qualify for a Blanket Bond increase waiver.
The wells-- Lot 396 396 Orphan 19, 20, and 21-- were located in Sheffield Township, Warren County and had no known operator. DEP inspection report [Orphan 20 example]
Act 96 of 2022 includes provisions to increase the blanket bond amount by $1,000 annually, but the increase can be waived if an operator plugs an orphan well.
Cameron Energy Company submitted the applications for each of these wells for the waivers.
On February 1, 2024, DEP did an inspection and disapproved the use of conventional Lot 396 396 Orphan well 14 as part of the Act 96 program to qualify for the Blanket Bond Waiver.
The request by Cameron Energy Company was denied because the plugged well was actively leaking crude oil and it was plugged in August of 2022, outside the one-year required timeframe.
The well is located in also Sheffield Township, Warren County. [DEP inspection report]
Newly Permitted Injection Well Venting Gas
On February 6, 2024, DEP did a follow-up inspection of the Catalyst Energy Inc. Lot 580 580-1 conventional well in Keating Township, McKean County that was found to be still leaking as during a January 26, 2024 inspection.
The well was issued a permit by DEP on January 11 to be used as an oil and gas wastewater injection well. Read more here.
DEP’s most recent inspection report says a contractor was on site removing old well equipment and working to deal with the venting of gas which was continuing to leak.
The contractor identified “open hole [no casing] from 3,427 to 2,504 [feet down the well] which is the probable source of gas.”
DEP’s inspection report said after leaving a valve open for several minutes on the well, “no gas was noticed.” No follow-up actions were recommended in the report.
On February 7, 2024, DEP did another follow-up inspection of Lot 580 580-1 and found no one was on site. DEP inspection report offered no comments on the site inspection.
On February 8, 2024, DEP did another inspection of Lot 580 580-1 and found the access road and well site stable and vegetated. DEP inspection report.
On February 9, 2024, DEP did another follow-up inspection of Lot 580 580-1 and found equipment onsite trying to “kill” to prevent gas from leaking.
DEP’s inspection report notes the operator pumped 4,200 gallons of water into the well while operations were underway to pull rods and tubing from the well.
The plan is to shut in the well and pull the tubing Monday.
Conventional Wells Venting Gas
On January 24, 2024, DEP inspected the Weaver III conventional gas well operated by McKissick Exploration LLC in Washington Township, Clarion County and found the well venting gas into the atmosphere.
The operator was contacted and the well was fixed to stop the leak on January 26, 2024.
DEP’s inspection report did not include any violations or other follow-up.
On January 29, 2024, DEP did a routine inspection of the Parker 2 conventional gas well in Rome Township, Crawford County operated by OWS Energy, LLC and found “bubbling” from the ground near the well.
The report said this was a home use gas well that was not inspected in the last 10 years.
DEP’s inspection report said the inspector requested the operator to “look into the bubbling from the ground occurring where [the] house gas pipeline goes into the ground.”
No violations were issued and no deadline set for reporting back to DEP.
On January 31, 2024, DEP did a follow-up inspection of the R.E.Eberly 1 conventional gas well operated by Diversified Prod LLC in Springfield Township, Fayette County and found it continued to “actively” leak gas and the wellhead exhibited signs of “progressive corrosion.”
DEP issued notices of violation for leaking gas on December 28, 2023 and the operator failed to take action to correct the violations.
DEP’s inspection report requested the operator to submit a written report by February 14, 2024 on how the well will be brought into compliance.
On January 31, 2024, DEP did a routine inspection of the R.E. Whitesell 4 conventional gas well in Bell Township, Westmoreland County operated by William H. Seanor and found it to be leaking gas.
DEP’s inspection report recorded no violations or follow-up actions for the operator.
On February 1, 2024, DEP did a routine inspection of the Kennedy 4 conventional gas well operated by Diversified Prod LLC in Georges Township, Fayette County and met onsite with a representative of the operator and their consultant Moody and Associates, Inc.
The inspection found the well was still venting gas to the atmosphere around the casing and at several other locations around the well, including near a powerline pole.
The landowner also indicated he had a water well within 200 feet of the venting gas well.
Over three months ago-- October 25, 2023-- DEP issued notices of violation related to the gas venting and the operator attempted a fix for the leaks, but that obviously failed.
DEP’s inspection report continued all the previous violations and requested a written report by February 19, 2024 from the operator on how the well will be brought into compliance.
On February 2, 2024, DEP inspected the Boltendahl 1 conventional gas well operated by Apollo Resources, LLC in Dunbar Township, Fayette County and found “progressive corrosion” on the wellhead is causing the well to vent gas to the atmosphere.
DEP issued violations for failure to notify DEP and take action to repair and replace the leaking equipment.
DEP’s inspection report requested the operator to submit a written report by February 16, 2024 on how the well will be brought into compliance.
Small Conventional Tank Battery Fire
On February 1, 2024, DEP did an inspection of the East Side conventional well operated by John D. Branch in Warren City, Warren County in response to a complaint about a production wastewater tank fire.
The well operator told DEP “a gas line coming off the well going to the tank battery caught fire from failed heat tape. He said they replaced all the heat tape to another better manufacturer after this failure.”
“There is no evidence of any production fluid outside containment. The impacted area was very small less than 2 square foot inside the containment dike.”
DEP’s inspection report does not include any violations.
‘WellBoost’ Chemical Spill At Shale Gas Pad
On February 2, 2024, DEP did an incident inspection in response to a notification on February 1, 2024 by Chesapeake Appalachia LLC there was a spill at the Floydie shale gas well pad in Tuscarora Township, Bradford County involving a ‘WellBoost’ foaming chemical.
Approximately, 14 gallons of the chemical agent which is flammable, harmful if inhaled, and can prove toxic and damage kidneys if ingested and requires protective clothing for handling. [Safety Data Sheet]
DEP’s inspection report said the affected area was excavated and the chemical cleaned up. Notices of violation were issued then closed because of the spill cleanup.
Spill Of Unknown Amounts On Shale Gas Pads
On January 29, 2024, DEP did a routine inspection of the Taft 851 shale gas well site operated by Seneca Resources Co. LLC in Middlebury Township, Tioga County and found a five foot by 150 foot “channel of elevated conductance water and ice” on unprotected ground along the east end of the well pad.
“Because of the large volume of elevated conductance fluid discovered on the pad surface, the DEP recommends pursuing Act 2 due to the unknown volume of elevated conductance fluid impacting the unprotected pad surface.”
DEP’s inspection report issued a notice of violation for the fluid discovered and requested a written report by February 26, 2024 on how the well pad will be brought into compliance.
On February 1, 2024, DEP did an incident inspection at the Athena shale gas well pad operated by Olympus Energy, LLC in Washington Township, Westmoreland County and found a spill of an unknown amount of an oily material affecting an area approximately 65 by 55 feet on the pad.
“Onsite consultants stated that they attempted to dig into the stained gravel in an attempt to gauge how far down the staining goes, but were unable.”
DEP’s inspection report included new violations related to the spill and requested a written report by February 21, 2024 on how the pad will be brought into compliance.
On February 8, 2024, DEP inspected three shale gas wells on the DCNR Tract 259 well pad in Burnside Township, Centre County operated by Anadarko E&P Onshore LLC [EQT] and found an unknown amount of fluid had been discharge during well plugging operations for wells on the pad on or about January 23, 2024.
DEP’s inspection report recommends the operator pursue an Act 2 cleanup due to the unknown volume of fluid discharged and violations were cited against a fourth well-- 027-21517 [inspection report not available].
No Cleanup Of Multiple Spills On Shale Gas Pads
On January 30, 2024, DEP did a routine inspection of the Crank shale gas well pad operated by Repsol Oil & Gas USA LLC in Columbia Township, Bradford County and found the operator did nothing to clean up and correct damaged containment structure and other conditions that led to multiple spills discovered on January 10, 2024.
No notices of violation were issued for these spills in the January 10, 2024 DEP inspection report.
“During today's inspection, we noted that the same containment structure was overflowing, damaged, and discharging water onto the pad surface. This discharge drained into a larger puddle with a sheen visible on the surface.”
DEP collected samples of the water for analysis.
Six shale gas wells were in the process of being fracked during the inspection.
DEP’s inspection report listed a new notice of violation for failure to remove stormwater from and fix damage to a containment area and requested a written report by February 14, 2024 on how the well pad will be brought into compliance.
On February 1, 2024, DEP did a routine inspection of the Laurel Hill shale gas well pad operated by Range Resources Appalachia LLC in Cogan House Township, Lycoming County and found nothing had been done to clean up multiple spill locations on the pad since September 13, 2023.
Meanwhile, DEP notes the wells are being staged for production.
DEP’s inspection report continues all the violations issued for the spill back in September, but no follow-up actions are included in the report.
Still Don’t Know What That Pink Stuff Is
On January 29, 2024, DEP did a follow-up inspection of the Fatur shale gas well pad operated by Apex Energy (PA) LLC in Salem Township, Westmoreland County and found the operator failed to take steps to cleanup multiple sites of contamination from an unknown pink fluid found during a January 25 inspection.
DEP continued the violations issued on January 25 and recommended the operator ensure the structural integrity of all production equipment, contain and dispose of any production fluids according to the regulations (some secondary containment structures were nearly overflowing) and identify the pink fluid.
DEP’s inspection report kept the same date-- February 5, 2024-- for the operator to submit a written plan on bringing the well pad into compliance.
2024 Act 2 Oil & Gas Facility Pollution Cleanups
So far in 2024, DEP received these Act 2 Land Recycling notices related to oil and gas facility cleanups: Final Reports--41 Approved-- 22 Technical Deficiencies-- 2 Disapproved-- 1 Remedial Investigations-- 1 Risk Assessments/Cleanup Plans - 2, Disapproved - 1
Village Of Reno Water Supply Contamination Update
On February 3, 2024, Makaya Keating of The Derrick reported "more than six months have passed since a Petro Erie wastewater spill contaminated Bellows Spring, which serves as the source of water for more than 200 homes and businesses in Reno that are customers of Venango Water Co.
"Montgomery County-based Aqua Pennsylvania was eventually called in, under a receivership order by the state Public Utilities Commission, to take over operations of Venango Water Co. based on water quality issues the Reno community had been facing."
"In a recent email exchange with the newspaper, Aqua spokesperson Brittany Tressler said “Final ownership (Aqua or Venango) will be decided by the PA PUC after they complete their evaluation of the operations and business elements of the Venango Water Co.”
"Meanwhile, Tom Decker, the state Department of Environmental Protection’s regional communications manager, this week told the newspaper in an email that Petro Erie’s appeal of DEP’s order to rectify matters, including site cleanup and addressing violations, is still pending." Read more here.
Armstrong County Water Supply Complaint Investigation
DEP inspection reports show the agency is engaged in an investigation of oil and gas impacts on a private water supply in Boggs Township, Armstrong County.
Between January 30 and February 2, 2024, two DEP inspectors visited the Ringgold shale gas well pad and inspected a conventional gas well operated by Snyder Bros. Inc., including--
-- Ringgold 1H - Shale Gas [DEP inspection report]
-- Ringgold 2H - Shale Gas
-- Ringgold 3H - Shale Gas
-- Ringgold 4H - Shale Gas [DEP inspection report] (reference to water supply sample)
-- Ringgold 5H - Shale Gas
-- Ringgold 6H - Shale Gas [DEP inspection report]
-- Ringgold 7H - Shale Gas
-- Ringgold 8H - Shale Gas [DEP inspection report]
-- Ringgold 9H - Shale Gas
-- Ringgold 10H - Shale Gas
-- Ringgold Mines 3 - Conventional [DEP inspection report]
DEP’s inspection reports of the shale gas wells indicated several were awaiting the start of fracking, were not accessible for various reasons, including what the inspector said was a well pad that was “highly congested” with equipment and not safe to enter.
None of the inspection reports recorded any violations, however, DEP noted on the shale gas well reports “follow-up inspection may be warranted to determine the cause of the complaint,” after water sampling results come back from the water supply.
Failure To Install Pipeline BMPs
On January 31, 2024, DEP did a routine inspection of the Jo Blaisure TWL Extension Pipeline Project operated by Keystone Clearwater Solutions, LLC in Dimock Township, Susquehanna County and found the operator failed to install erosion and sedimentation BMPs at stream crossings and multiple other locations along the pipeline construction route.
“All seven stream crossings were lacking at least one BMP, and many of them were missing multiple BMPs including filter socks, exclusion fence, erosion control matting, cribbing, and water shut-off valves.”
“Please note that the construction sequence in the plan set calls for all these BMPs to be installed prior to constructing the waterline. Be sure to follow the construction sequence for all future projects.”
“Please immediately address all these issues noted in this report and notify the Department when the work has been completed so a follow-up inspection can be scheduled.”
DEP issued multiple violations related to the failure to install erosion and sedimentation practices and compliance with the permit issued for the project.
DEP’s inspection report requested a written report by February 23, 2024 on how the pipeline project route will be brought into compliance.
Revolution Pipeline Reports More Land Slips
On February 7, 2024, DEP did an incident inspection in response to a notification on February 2 and 6, 2024 by ETC Northeast Pipeline, LLC an area near the Revolution Natural Gas Pipeline in Center Township, Beaver County was showing signs of land slippage.
ETC had geotechnical engineers onsite to review the feature which is about 75 feet wide and 80 feet long. Monitoring stakes were put in the ground to show slipping over time.
The engineer recommended monitoring weekly and following rain events. ETC said they would monitor the area twice a week and after rain events, according to DEP’s inspection report.
ETC notified DEP in early January of land slips along the pipeline in Raccoon Township, Beaver County. Read more here.
[Note: Both DEP and the operator of the Revolution Pipeline are very sensitive to land slips and slides because the brand new pipeline exploded in September 2018 after landslides put pressure on the newly built pipeline and caused a rupture.
[ETC Northeast Pipeline was fined $30.6 million for violations leading to the explosion [Read more here], was later convicted of criminal charges by the Office of Attorney General for the violations [Read more here] and fined another $1 million for violations related to the pipeline by the Public Utility Commission [Read more here].]]
Failed To Restore Conventional Well Sites
On January 30, 2024, DEP did follow-up inspections of three conventional well sites in Beaver County operated by Geopetro LLC and found they all continued to be in violation of well site restoration regulations.
The wells included the Hodgdon Pad, South Beaver Township, MAGA Pad in Chippewa Township and the Fedorchak pad in Ohioville Borough.
DEP inspection reports (Fedorchak example) did not indicate any follow-up actions.
On January 31, 2024, DEP did a follow-up inspection of the Irwin 3 conventional well in Canton Township, Washington County operated by Dallas Energy LLC and found the operator failed to restore the site within nine months of plugging a well.
DEP issued multiple notices of violations for failure to implement erosion and sedimentation controls and stabilize the site.
DEP’s inspection report denied the well site restoration request by the operator.
On January 31, 2024, DEP did a follow-up inspection of the Ferrebee BEA conventional well site operated by Pin Oak Energy Partners LLC in Ohioville Borough, Beaver County and found the operator had done nothing to address erosion and sedimentation control violations issued on December 5, 2023.
DEP’s inspection report requested a written report by February 10, 2014 on how the site will be brought into compliance.
On February 5, 2024, DEP did a follow-up inspection at the site of a spill in September 2023 at a conventional well site on State Game Lands in McCalmont Township, Jefferson County operated by Diversified Prod LLC and found the site and access road still has not been restored.
DEP’s inspection report issued violations related to the failure to restore the site after cleanup and requested the operator to submit a written report by February 26, 2024 on how the site will be brought into compliance.
Restoration Of Shale Gas Sites Completed
On January 29 to February 2, 2024, DEP did a series of follow-up inspections of eight shale gas well pads operated by EQT Prod Co. in Fayette County for site restoration and found the earlier violations corrected.
The sites included the Greene Hill and Walker B pads in Center Township, the Harden Farms pad in Morris Township and the J&J, Rough Hollow, Lacko, Shipman Way and Harris well pads in Washington Township.
DEP inspection report example - Greene Hill shale gas pad.
On January 29 to February 2, 2024, DEP did a series of follow-up inspections of five shale gas well pads operated by Rice Drilling B LLC [EQT] in Greene and Washington counties for site restoration.
The sites in Greene County included the Dahn-Tahn pad in Wayne Township, Greco pad in Gray Township, and the Polar Vortex and Alpha Unit 2 pads in Jackson Township.
The site in Washington County is the Captain USA pad and freshwater impoundment in North Bethlehem Township.
DEP’s inspection reports [Captain USA & freshwater impoundment example] show the restoration plans were approved.
Report Violations
To report oil and gas violations or any environmental emergency or complaint, visit DEP’s Environmental Complaint webpage.
Check These Resources
Visit DEP’s Compliance Reporting Database webpage to search their compliance records by date and operator and the Inspection Reports Viewer.
Sign up for DEP’s eNOTICE service which sends you information on oil and gas and other permits submitted to DEP for review in your community.
(Photos: Row 1- McKissick Exploration conventional well venting gas; Apex Energy (PA) LLC pink fluid contamination persists on shale gas well pad; Apollo Resources, LLC severely corroded and venting conventional gas well; Bemorich, Inc. abandoned conventional well; Diversified Prod Co. LLC failed to restore well site, access road after spill cleanup;
Row 2- Chesapeake Appalachia LLC shale gas well pad chemical spill; Diversified Prod LLC conventional well venting gas; Dallas Energy LLC failed conventional well site restoration; Diversified Prod LLC abandoned shale gas well; Economy Natural Gas, Inc. flaring leaking gas during plugging of abandoned conventional well;
Row 3- Diversified Prod LLC conventional well venting gas; Keystone Clearwater Solutions, LLC pipeline project fails to install any erosion and sedimentation controls, water shut-off valve; Prosperity Oil Co. Inc. plugging abandoned conventional well; XTO Energy, Inc. plugging abandoned shale gas well; Diversified Prod LLC abandoned shale gas well.)
[Note: If you believe your company was listed in error, contact DEP’s Oil and Gas Program.]
[Note: These may not be all the NOVs issued to oil and gas companies during this time period. Additional inspection reports may be added to DEP’s Oil and Gas Compliance Database.]
PA Oil & Gas Industry Public Notice Dashboards:
-- Just 14 Days: PA Oil & Gas Weekly Compliance Dashboard - Jan. 27 to Feb. 9 - More Abandoned Conventional, Shale Gas Wells; Spills, Venting Gas, Contaminated Water Supplies [PaEN]
-- PA Oil & Gas Industrial Facilities: Permit Notices, Opportunities To Comment - February 10 [PaEN]
-- DEP Posted 74 Pages Of Permit-Related Notices In February 10 PA Bulletin [PaEN]
Related Articles This Week:
-- DEP Begins Emergency Project To Plug Abandoned Conventional Gas Wells In Scott Twp., Allegheny County; DEP Tried To Get Well Operators To Stop The Leaks For Nearly 9 Years [PaEN]
-- Guest Essay: DEP Ignored Abandoned Wells During Oil & Gas Wastewater Injection Well Permitting Process - By Laurie Barr, Save Our Streams PA [PaEN]
-- DEP OKs Cameron Energy Applications For Plugging 3 Orphan Conventional Wells Under Blanket Bond Increase Waiver Program; Denied 1 Plugged Well Leaking Crude Oil [PaEN]
-- PA Utility Law Project, Public Citizen Host Feb. 16 Webinar Exploring The Impact Of LNG Natural Gas Exports On Pennsylvania Families [PaEN]
-- Environmental Hearing Board Narrows, But Allows Protect PT Appeal Of Shale Gas Well Permit Renewals In Westmoreland County To Move Forward [PaEN]
-- Liberty Twp., Citizens Group Appeal EHB Decision On Permit For Tri-County Landfill In Mercer County Over Threats Posed By Birds, Radioactive Oil & Gas Waste [PaEN]
-- PJM Reports Natural Gas Power Plants Were Over Half The Forced Outages During Winter Storm Gerri In January; Special Procedures Used For Gas Generators Raised Questions About Market Impacts [PaEN]
NewsClips:
-- Philadelphia Medicine Magazine: Pitt Drops A Bombshell - The PA Health And Environment Studies On Fracking - By Dr. Ned Ketyer, Physicians for Social Responsibility Pennsylvania
-- Physicians For Social Responsibility Pennsylvania: Fact Sheet On Deal Between Gov. Shapiro, CNX Natural Gas Driller Allows Voluntary Self-Regulation Of A Fracking Company
-- Inside Climate News: In His First Year As Governor, Josh Shapiro Forged Alliances With The Natural Gas Industry, Angering Environmentalists Who Support Him
-- Inside Climate News: Q&A: New Rules In PA Require Drillers To Disclose Toxic Chemicals Used In Fracking
-- TribLive: Environmentalists, Natural Gas Drillers’ Group Divided On Transparency On Fracking Fluid Disclosures
-- The Energy Age Blog: PA DEP Begins Emergency Project To Plug Abandoned Conventional Gas Wells [Video From Plugging Site]
-- TribLive: Penn Township Board Will Visit Proposed Hyperion [Olympus Energy] Natural Gas Compressor Site
-- Inquirer - Will Bunch: Democracy Dies When PA Pols Tell Their Own Voters To Drop Dead On Fracking [Proposed LNG Plant In Chester, Delaware County]
-- Markets Insider: New Study Questions LNG Natural Gas As A ‘Bridge Fuel’ In Decarbonization
-- Forbes Guest Essay: US Natural Gas Prices Could Spike 14% Without Biden’s Pause On New LNG Export Terminal Permits Costing Consumers $18 Billion
-- Environmental Integrity Project: Biden’s Pause In New Permits For LNG Natural Gas Facilities Won’t Slow The Flow Of US Natural Gas Abroad
-- Daily Herald - Salena Zito: Democrats Say Biden’s Pause On New LNG Natural Gas Export Facilities Is Like ‘Throwing A Match In A Bale Of Hay’ [PA included]
-- Bradford Era: Feb. 10 Town Hall In Cyclone, McKean County To Discuss Appeal Of Catalyst Energy, Inc. Oil & Gas Wastewater Injection Well Permit
[Posted: February 10, 2024] PA Environment Digest
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