Low Streamflow Conditions Prompt Susquehanna River Basin Commission To Advise Shale Gas Drillers, Water Systems, Companies With Water Withdrawal Approvals To Plan For Alternative Operations

On November 8, the Susquehanna River Basin Commission sent an advisory to shale gas drillers, water systems and companies with water withdrawal approvals to begin "investigating or planning for alternative operation options" in the current low streamflow conditions, according to Stacey Hanrahan, SRBC Communications and Outreach Specialist.

The Commission advisory said, "Currently, low flow conditions are being observed throughout most of the basin. See the following link for details.

"Streamflow at numerous locations are significantly below normal for this time of year.

"In addition, there is negligible rainfall in the 7-day precipitation forecast for the basin.

"Please review your project’s approval(s) to make sure you are aware how sustained dry conditions may impact your operational requirements and mitigation plan (if applicable). 

"If your project is subject to water withdrawal limitations, we strongly encourage you to begin investigating or planning for alternative operation options. 

"In some limited circumstances, deviations from conditions dictated in your approval may be allowable under an emergency certificate, provided the situation meets rigorous criteria.”

"The Susquehanna River Basin Commission’s Water Application and Approval Viewer (WAAV) and Hydrologic Conditions Monitor (HCM) may be helpful tools in assessing low flow conditions and associated operational requirements.

"The WAAV provides access to water use projects regulated by the Commission. The HCM shows the status of water use projects regulated by the Commission that have passby flow or consumptive use mitigation requirements.”

Contact the Susquehanna River Basin Commission to report suspected violations of these requirements.

For more information on programs, training opportunities and upcoming events, visit the Susquehanna River Basin Commission website.  Click Here to sign up for SRBC’s newsletter.   Follow SRBC on Twitter, visit them on YouTube.

(Photo:  Loyalsock Creek in Lycoming County near a shale gas development water withdrawal point (courtesy of Barbara Jarmoska, on the banks of the Loyalsock Creek, Lycoming County); Map of red dots showing water withdrawal restrictions.)

Resource Links:

 -- 66 [Now 56]  Water Withdrawals Now Restricted In Susquehanna River Basin Due To Low-Flow Water Conditions, Most Shale Gas-related  [PaEN]  

-- Delaware River Basin Commission Calls For Efficient Water Use; Sets Nov. 19 Hearing On Declaring A Water Supply Emergency  [PaEN]

-- Pennsylvania Declares Drought Conditions In 35 Counties -- Berks, Schuylkill Counties In Drought Warning, 33 In Drought Watch  [PaEN]

[Posted: November 12, 2024]  PA Environment Digest