So far this year, DEP took these actions as of October 18--
-- NOVs Issued In Last Week: 56 conventional, 12 unconventional
-- Year To Date - NOVs Issued: 6,547 conventional and 832 unconventional
-- Enforcements 2024: 438 conventional and 112 unconventional (orders, agreements)
-- Inspections Last Week: 292 conventional and 271 unconventional
-- Year To Date - Inspections: 14,184 conventional and 19,606 unconventional
-- Wells Drilled Last Week: 4 conventional and 8 unconventional
-- Year To Date Wells Drilled: 139 conventional and 254 unconventional
DEP took these actions as of October 11--
-- NOVs Issued In Last Week: 57 conventional, 5 unconventional
-- Year To Date - NOVs Issued: 6,390 conventional and 804 unconventional
-- Enforcements 2024: 412 conventional and 107 unconventional (orders, agreements)
-- Inspections Last Week: 352 conventional and 260 unconventional
-- Year To Date - Inspections: 13,686 conventional and 19,194 unconventional
-- Wells Drilled Last Week: 4 conventional and 14 unconventional
-- Year To Date Wells Drilled: 135 conventional and 249 unconventional
47 Abandoned Conventional Well Violations
On October 8, 2024, DEP did routine inspections of the Bickel 2 & 4 conventional gas wells in Bloom Township, Clearfield County owned by Stonehaven Energy MGT CO LLC and found them to be abandoned and not plugged.
On Bickel 4, DEP issued the original violation for abandonment on August 8, 2024. Read more here.
A follow-up inspection on September 12, 2024 found natural gas bubbling out of a hole in a pipeline associated with the Bickel 4 well.
DEP gave the well owner until October 4 to submit a plan for dealing with that issue and well abandonment.
During the October 8 inspection DEP found the gas leak continued and no action was taken to address well abandonment and no response came from the well owner.
DEP’s inspection report did not include any new deadlines for action by the Bickel 4 well owner to address these violations.
DEP continued all violations including failure to submit annual production, waste generation and well integrity reports for multiple years.
On Bickel 2. DEP issued the original violation for abandonment on August 8, 2024-- 61 days before the new inspection-- along with violations for failure to submit annual production, waste general and well integrity reports for multiple years but no follow-up actions were required of the well owner at that time or in following inspections.
DEP’s inspection report did not include any new deadlines for action by the Bickel 2 well owner to address these violations.
DEP’s eFACTS database shows Stonehaven holds 725 conventional well permits, six other wells are listed as abandoned.
On October 16 & 17, 2024, DEP did routine inspections of 13 conventional wells in Clearfield County owned by Stonehaven Energy MGT CO LLC and found them all abandoned and not plugged and several were leaking gas. The wells included--
-- Bloom Twp.: Morgan 2; Clark 1 & 3; Walls 1 [previous violations 6.20.24] and Walls 2 [10.25.24 inspection]; Shaffer Nancy 4
-- Brady Twp.: Shaffer Nancy 1 & 3; J. Novosel 1, 2 & 3
-- Troutville Boro: Shaffer Nancy 5 & 7
DEP’s inspection reports [example - Shaffer Nancy 1] noted these were fresh violations for abandonment, leaking gas (in some cases) and failure to submit annual production, waste generation and well integrity reports “for years.”.
The DEP reports did not include any deadlines for actions by the well owner to address these violations.
On October 22, 2024, DEP did a routine inspection of the Anna Grace McDonald 1 conventional gas well in Ohioville Borough, Beaver County owned by Grace DEV CO and found it to be abandoned and not plugged.
Violations were also noted for failing to submit annual production, waste generation and well integrity reports.
DEP’s inspection report requested the well owner to submit a plan by November 8, 2024 on bringing the well into compliance.
DEP’s eFACTs database shows Grace DEV holds 9 permits for conventional wells, including two abandoned wells (not these).
On October 22, 2024, DEP did a routine inspection of the Nick Susich 2 gas well in Ohioville Borough, Beaver County owned by Shenango Resources, Inc. and found the well abandoned and not plugged.
DEP also noted violations for failing to submit annual production, waste generation and well integrity reports.
DEP’s inspection report requested the well owner to submit a plan by November 8, 2024 on how the well would be brought into compliance.
DEP’s eFACTS database shows Shenango Resources only holds this one permit.
Abandoned Conventional Well Owner Failed To Comply With DEP Order
On October 22 & 23, 2024, DEP did compliance inspections on 39 conventional wells owned by John B. Best in Cranberry Township, Venango County and found 30 continued to be abandoned and unplugged and 9 others failed to comply with a DEP order to correct other violations, including failure to submit required annual well reports.
DEP originally issued violations for abandonment a year ago on October 18 & 19, 2023. Read more here.
DEP also issued an Administrative Order on March 11, 2024 requiring Best to bring all these wells into compliance. [Read more here.]
Best did not comply with the order or take steps to deal with the other violations issued by DEP, including failure to submit annual production, waste generation and well integrity reports.
DEP’s inspection reports [example - Friggle 10] adds a new violation-- drilling, altering or operating a well without a permit and failure to comply with a DEP order.
The wells that continue to be abandoned and not plugged are: Friggle 2A, 4, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 27, 34, 39, 40, 41, 48, 50, 51, 53, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68; BL Solle K2 & K11.
The wells give violations for not complying with a DEP order to correct other violations were: BL Solle K4, K6 & K12; Friggle 6, 31, 29; Karns 1; Woods Brothers K14 & K17. [example of inspection report - Woods Brothers K14 - the wells look as abandoned as the other ones]
DEP’s inspection reports did not include any specific follow-up actions or deadlines for the well owner.
Typically in cases like this, DEP’s next step is often to ask a court to issue an order to the well owner to comply with DEP’s order.
DEP’s eFACTS database shows John Best holds 166 conventional oil and gas well permits, all are listed as active.
26 Abandoned Wells With Unknown Owners
Last week DEP inspected at least 26 abandoned and orphaned conventional oil and gas wells with Unknown owners to determine their eligibility for well plugging, including--
-- Allegheny County, Moon Twp.: RMU 1
-- Allegheny County, Ross Twp.: Jacks Run 1 & 2;
-- Allegheny County, Sewickley Heights Boro: Gravel Path 1
-- Clarion County, Perry Twp.: 1900 TR 268 1; 963 RT 368 1; 1360 RT 368 1;
-- Venango County, President Twp.: Lener/Blaho 5;
-- Warren County, Glade Twp.: Maley 005 (Complaint inspection); Steffan 002 & 003 (Complaints); Sigler 004 (Complaint)
-- Warren County, Mead Twp.: Lot 53 21; Lot 53 29; Lot 53 86; Lot 53 87; Lot 53 88; Lot 53 95; Lot 53 100; Lot 56 30; Lot 56 78; Lot 56 79; Lot 56 80; 496 Orphan 4 & 5;
-- Washington County, Robinson Twp.: KN McDonald 35
814 Abandoned Conventional Well, 26 Abandoned Shale Gas Well Violations In 2024
So far in 2024, DEP issued 814 new or continued violations to conventional oil and gas well owners for abandoning and not plugging their wells.
So far in 2024, 26 violations were issued or continued to 10 shale gas well owners [Diversified Prod LLC; Big Dog Energy LLC follow-up; Big Dog Energy LLC; EQT Production Co.; Diversified Prod LLC; Chesapeake Appalachia LLC, Atlas Resources, LLC; Atlas Resources, LLC (follow-up inspection)’ Repsol Oil & Gas, EQT Chap LLC; M4 Energy; M4 Energy (follow-up inspection); EQT (Rice Drilling B LLC); and Roulette Oil & Gas LLC; Roulette Oil & Gas LLC (follow-up inspection)] for abandoning wells and not plugging wells.
Shale Gas Wastewater Sprays Over Well Pad
On October 21, 2024, DEP did an inspection of the DCNR Tract 726 shale gas Pad B in Plunketts Creek Township, Lycoming County owned by PA General Energy CO LLC in response to a notification of a spill on October 19.
The spill occurred when pipes became disconnected to fracking tanks allowing production wastewater fluid “to spray over the side of the secondary containment.”
An area of contamination 85 feet long and 31 feet wide was excavated to remove contaminated material that nearly filled three rucks.
DEP’s inspection report included violations for the spill and a request to the pad owner to submit a plan by November 12, 2024 on how the area would be brought into compliance.
On August 13, PA General Energy CO LLC had another spill confirmed on nearby DCNR Tract 726 Pad D. Read more here.
Shale Gas Wastewater Still Leaking On Well Pad
On October 23, 2024, DEP confirmed with sample results wastewater was leaking at multiple locations and still is onto the Taft 851 shale gas well pad in Middlebury Township, Tioga County owned by Seneca Resources CO LLC.
The leaks were originally discovered during inspections on October 2 & 3, 2024 when the samples were taken. [DEP inspection report.]
DEP recommended-- “Because of the large volume of elevated conductance fluid discovered on the pad surface and in the sedimentation basin, the DEP recommends pursuing Act 2 [Land Recycling Program cleanup].”
DEP’s inspection report included new violations related to the releases and failing to notify DEP of the spills. The well pad owner was requested to submit a plan by November 15, 2024 for bringing the area into compliance.
The well pad owner was not requested to take any actions related to the spills before this request.
Leaks In Shale Gas Valve Vaults For Wastewater Pipeline
On October 18, 2024, DEP inspected the RHL23-RHL4-WEB22 and MAJ7 pipeline valve vaults at the Hunt Club Cathodic Station in Richhill Township, Greene County owned by CNX Midstream OPR CO LLC in response to a notification of a spill on October 17.
DEP found evidence of leaking water with elevated conductivity indicating a wastewater spill, but of an unknown quantity inside and outside the vaults.
DEP’s inspection report included violations related to the spills and requested a plan by November 4, 2024 on how the site will be brought into compliance.
This was the second set of violations for a CNX Midstream pipeline issued by DEP that week. Read more here.
2024 Act 2 Oil & Gas Facility Pollution Cleanups
So far in 2024, DEP received or acted on 235 Act 2 Land Recycling notices related to oil and gas facility site cleanups. Read more here.
Leaking Gas Well At Gas Storage Reservoir
On October 23, 2024, DEP did a follow-up inspection of the RL Throckmorton L4125 conventional gas well serving the Holbrook Gas Storage Reservoir in Center Township, Greene County owned by EQT Gathering Of PA LLC and found it continued to be abandoned, unplugged and leaking gas.
DEP issued the original violation for abandoning and not plugging this well on October 4, 2023-- 388 days ago before this inspection.
DEP’s inspection report continued the earlier violations and-- again-- requested the well owner to submit a plan by November 24, 2024 to correct the violations.
Complaint Results In Discovery Of Gas Leaking From Conventional Well
On October 22, 2024, DEP did an inspection of the WE Minor M303 conventional gas well in Greene Township, Greene County owned by EQT Production Co. as a result of a complaint and found it was leaking gas.
DEP’s inspection report included a violation for failing to maintain the integrity of the well and requested the well owner to submit a plan by November 8, 2024 to bring the well into compliance.
Gas Odor From Conventional Well ‘Normal’
On October 24, 2024, DEP did an inspection of the Latshaw 25 conventional gas well in Cranberry Township, Venango County owned by Stonehaven Energy MGT Co LLC as a result of a complaint about an odor of natural gas.
DEP’s inspector said this well was 75 feet from the complaint’s home and there was a slight odor of natural gas detected from an open annulus value on the well.
DEP’s inspection report concluded the open value was in compliance with regulations and the “odor in the area is believed to be part of normal [conventional well] operations.”
The report said Stonehaven Energy was contacted and is checking other wells in the area.
[Note: From October 8 to 17, DEP issued Stonehaven Energy 15 violations for abandoned and not plugging conventional wells, some of which were leaking gas. See above in this report.
[DEP’s eFACTS database shows Stonehaven holds 725 conventional well permits, six other wells are listed as abandoned.]
Stray Gas Investigation Impacting Multiple Water Wells In Clarion County
DEP is conducting a stray gas investigation impacting several private water supplies in Limestone Township, Clarion County, according to an inspection report posted on October 22, 2024.
DEP tried to inspect the GP Aaron 1 253 conventional gas well owned by Michael Harju as part of the investigation, however, the inspector could not locate the well. [DEP inspection report]
The inspector used magnetic locators and Tesla meters to try to locate the well and dug several holes about 3 feet deep.
Several hand-sized pieces of metallic objects that appeared to be from a well were discovered, but no well.
DEP noted the well is listed as abandoned on its records. The well is located in a hay field in the vicinity of one of the complainant’s homes as well as near other complainants’ water wells in the area.
Residents in the area can use DEP’s Oil and Gas Mapping Tool to locate this well to see if they are within 2,500 or in the general area.
If you are in this area and have experienced well water problems with stray gas contamination, or have information that might be helpful, notify DEP’s Knox Oil and Gas Office at 814-797-1191.
Catalyst Energy Injection Well Post-Construction Inspection
On October 23, 2024, DEP did a post-construction inspection of the conventional Lot 580 580-1 oil and gas wastewater injection well in Keating Township, McKean County owned by Catalyst Energy Inc. as required by the permit.
The inspection found site construction was not complete, specifically a portion of the containment barrier wall and liner were not finished.
“It is expected that the layout and integrity of the containment area will be built per site design plans prior to the commencement of operations at this site.”
DEP requested that “pictures of the aforementioned sections of the containment structure are provided once all work is completed.”
DEP’s inspection report noted no other site deficiencies.
On October 22, 2024, a DEP inspection report noted a seismic monitoring station was installed at the Sweeley 1 conventional well used for monitoring the injection well operation.
Resource Links:
-- Bradford Era: ‘No Help From Any Quarter’ Residents Fighting Oil, Gas Wastewater Injection Well In Cyclone, McKean County [PDF of Article]
-- Olean Times Herald (NY) : ‘Swiss Cheese’ Below McKean County Oil & Gas Wastewater Injection Well Site Causes Concern [PDF of Article]
-- Olean Times Herald (NY): Marine Vet In McKean County Deals With Fracking Wastewater Injection Well Next Door: ‘I Regret Purchasing This Home’
Report Violations
To report oil and gas violations or any environmental emergency or complaint, visit DEP’s Environmental Complaint webpage.
Text photos and the location of abandoned wells to 717-788-8990.
Check These Resources
Visit DEP’s Compliance Reporting Database webpage to search their compliance records by date and owner 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.
Use DEP’s Oil and Gas Mapping Tool to find if there are oil and gas wells near or on your property and to find wells using latitude and longitude on well inspection reports.
(Photos: Row 1-- No response from Stonehaven Energy MGT CO LLC on abandoned conventional well leaking gas for 61 days; Valve vault spills at CNX Midstream OPR CO LLC wastewater pipeline; 2 photos - an abandoned and soon to be abandoned conventional well owned by John B. Best; Row 2-- Abandoned conventional well at gas storage reservoir owned by EQT Gathering Of PA LLC leaking gas for 388 days; PA General Energy CO LLC spill of shale gas wastewater; Shale gas wastewater leaking and pooling a multiple locations at Seneca Resources CO LLC well pad; Row 3-- Controversial Catalyst Energy Inc. McKean County oil and gas wastewater conventional injection well site post-construction inspection finds incomplete secondary containment, tanks and piping installed, seismic monitor at monitoring well; the original site.)
[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:
-- PA Oil & Gas Industrial Facilities: Permit Notices, Opportunities To Comment - October 26 [PaEN]
-- DEP Posted 78 Pages Of Permit-Related Notices In October 26 PA Bulletin [PaEN]
Oil & Gas - National Debate
-- NY Post: Fracking Could Decide The Election In Pennsylvania And Nationwide
-- Wall Street Journal Guest Essay: Fracking Isn’t As Popular (Or Important) In Pennsylvania As You Think; The Truth For Residents Is More Complicated [PDF of Article] - By Colin Jerolmack, Author Of Up To Heaven And Down To Hell and Sean O’Leary, Ohio River Valley Institute
-- Pittsburgh Business Times: Range Resources Marks 20th Anniversary Of First Marcellus Shale Well [PDF of Article]
Related Articles:
-- Environmental, Health Groups Submit Petition To Environmental Quality Board For More Protective Setbacks From Shale Gas Wells For Schools, Daycares, Hospitals, Buildings, Drinking Water Wells, Surface Water [PaEN]
-- Baker Hughes: PA Natural Gas Drilling Rig Count Down To 12, Lowest In More Than 17 Years; Community Support Drops; Big Hole In DEP Budget [PaEN]
-- Dr. Susan L. Brantley Named A Distinguished Daughter Of Pennsylvania For Her Research On Water, Geology And The Environmental Impacts Of Natural Gas, Oil Extraction [PaEN]
-- DEP Plugs Conventional Gas Well Orphaned By The Well Owner That Contaminated A Clarion County Family's Drinking Water Well; Conventional Oil & Gas Well Owners Continue To Abandoned Their Wells - 814 Violations So Far In 2024 - 2 New Plugging Grant Programs [PaEN]
-- Susquehanna River Basin Commission Approved, Renewed 20 Shale Gas Well Pad Water Use General Permits In September; 232 General Permits So Far In 2024 [PaEN]
-- EDF: New Report Shows 22% Growth In PA's Oil & Gas Methane Emissions Mitigation Industry In 3 Years [PaEN]
-- DEP Extends Air Quality Permits For Temporary Operation Of Shell Petrochemical Plant; No Schedule Posted Yet For Considering Full Title V Air Quality Permit [PaEN]
-- Sierra Club PA Hosts Oct. 30 Webinar - It’s Scary Out Here! How Oil & Gas Waste Haunts Pennsylvania [PaEN]
NewsClips:
-- The Guardian: Fracking’s Return Stirs Fury In Pennsylvania Town Whose Water Turned Toxic [Dimock, Susquehanna County]
-- WITF StateImpactPA - Susan Phillips: Fracking In Pennsylvania Hasn’t Gone As Well As Some May Think
-- ExploreClarion.com: DEP Plugs Conventional Gas Well That Contaminated Vowinckel Family’s Drinking Water In Clarion County
-- NPR: States Work To Track Down, Cap Dangerous Methane Leaks From Conventional Oil, Gas Wells Abandoned By Their Owners [Allegheny National Forest]
-- City & State NY: The Fate Of State’s Conventional Oil/Gas Wells Abandoned By Their Owners May Depend On The Presidential Election [New York, Pennsylvania]
-- TribLive: Murrysville Council Denies Citizen Petition To Rescind Oil And Gas Leases Under Park Land In Westmoreland County
-- WHYY: Philadelphia Gas Works Gets Federal Money To Replace Aging Natural Gas Mains
-- Marcellus Drilling News: Shell Petrochemical Plant In Beaver County Ready For Prime Time; But It Has An Achilles’ Heel- No Natural Gas Liquids Storage [PDF of Article]
[Posted: October 26, 2024] PA Environment Digest
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