PA Environment Digest Blog: DEP To Hold July 2 Virtual Hearing On PA General Energy Project To Construct 3.7 Miles Of Shale Gas, Water Pipelines Thru Exceptional Value, High Quality, Wild Trout Streams In Lycoming County

The Department of Environmental Protection will hold a July 2 virtual public hearing starting at 6:00 p.m. on a PA General Energy project to construct a 12-inch shale gas and two 8-inch water pipelines through Cummings and McHenry Townships in Lycoming County. [Permit: E4129223-006]

The project would build the pipelines within a 30-foot wide permanent right-of-way and a temporary right-of-way that varies in width.

The company proposes open cut crossings of nine streams and one wetland. The stream crossings include--

-- Hackett Fork - Exceptional Value, Wild Trout Stream

-- Ott Fork - High Quality-Cold Water Fishery, Wild Trout Stream

-- Bennys Run (Channel 4) - High Quality-Cold Water Fishery, Wild Trout Stream

-- Bennys Run (Channel 5) - High Quality-Cold Water Fishery, Wild Trout Stream

-- Bark Cabin Run - High Quality-Cold Water Fishery, Wild Trout Stream

-- Silver Branch (Channel 9A)- High Quality-Cold Water Fishery, Wild Trout Stream

-- Silver Branch (Channel 10)- High Quality-Cold Water Fishery, Wild Trout Stream

-- Bennys Run (Channel 12) - High Quality-Cold Water Fishery, Wild Trout Stream

DEP originally held a comment period on the project in October and November of 2023. Read more here.

Alternative Route

On June 18, PennLive reported the Susquehanna Chapter of Trout Unlimited proposed an alternative route that involves fewer impacts on wild trout streams.

The Mid State Trail Association pointed out the original pipeline route is adjacent to and crosses the Mid State Trail and “will have a significant, direct and detrimental impact” on the Trail.

“We recognize the oil and gas industry’s economic footprint in the area is formidable but believe the industry must also recognize and be sensitive to the fact that outdoor recreation and tourism is also a vital economic engine for north central Pennsylvania,” MSTA president Ed Lawrence stated in a letter to the Department of Environmental Protection.

Registering To Testify

Individuals who wish to present testimony at the virtual hearing and for inclusion in the administrative record must contact Megan Lehman, Regional Communications Manager, by email at meglehman@pa.gov or by phone at 570-327-3659 before noon on Monday, July 1, 2024, to reserve a time to present testimony.

A link for those testifying to access the virtual hearing will be provided upon registration.

Those wishing only to listen and not testify may join the hearing via phone or internet connection. Access information can be found on the Virtual Public Hearing webpage or by contacting Megan Lehman.

Submitting Comments

Persons unable to attend the public hearing can submit a written statement to the DEP by close of business on Monday, July 22, 2024.

Written statements should be sent via the U.S. Postal Service to Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Eastern Oil and Gas District Office, 208 West Third Street Suite 101, Williamsport, PA 17701, or emailed to RA-EPEASTERNOGPRG@pa.gov.

Click Here to read the entire public hearing notice.

For more information on environmental programs in Pennsylvania, visit DEP’s website, Report Emergencies, Submit Environmental Complaints; Click Here to sign up for DEP’s newsletter; sign up for DEP’s eNotice; visit DEP’s Blog, Like DEP on Facebook, Follow DEP on Twitter and visit DEP’s YouTube Channel.