DEP: EM Energy Pipeline Assessed $185,000 Penalty For Surface Water, Wetland Impacts

The Department of Environmental Protection Tuesday announced EM Energy Pipeline Pennsylvania, LLC has agreed to a $185,000 civil penalty for oil and gas violations of the Clean Streams Law, Dam Safety and Encroachment Act, and the Oil and Gas Act in Allegheny and Butler counties.

Beginning in October 2014 through 2015, the DEP inspected various areas of the Constellation Pipeline Project and determined that violations existed including:

-- Failure to comply with the conditions of the Erosion Control Permit and maintain best management practices during earth moving activities

-- Failure to prevent accelerated erosion and sedimentation

-- Discharge of sediment into the waters of the Commonwealth

-- Constructing an encroachment or water obstruction without a permit

EM Energy has resolved all the violations identified in this civil penalty.

“Sediment can cause severe impairment to Pennsylvania streams and rivers,” said DEP Acting Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “DEP ensures the oil and gas construction activities are appropriately inspected and when violations are identified, that operators are held accountable.”