DEP Invites Comments On Chapter 105 Permit For 4.5 Mile EQT ARO Natural Gas Pipeline On State Forest Land In Lycoming County

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the May 2 PA Bulletin inviting comments on a Chapter 105 permit for a proposed 4.5 mile, 10-inch EQT ARO LLC natural gas pipeline on Tiadaghton State Forest Land in Cummings and Watson Townships, Lycoming County.  (PA Bulletin, page 2423)

The pipeline will support shale gas development in the area and will impact Lower Pine Bottom Run (High Quality), floodways and wetlands.

DEP will accept comments on this application until June 1-- 30 days from this notice.

No hearing has been scheduled, but one may be required.

Comments, requests for a hearing or to review the application in-person, should be sent to DEP Eastern District Oil & Gas Management Program, 208 W. Third Street, Suite 101, Williamsport, PA 17701 or call (570) 321-6550 or email: RA-EPEASTERNOGPRG@pa.gov

Read the entire PA Bulletin notice for more information.  (PA Bulletin, page 2423)

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

PA Oil & Gas Industry Public Notice Dashboards:

-- PA Oil & Gas Weekly Compliance Dashboard - April 25 to May 1: Violations For Conventional Well Abandonment Top 204; Cleaning Up Shale Gas Wastewater Release For 245 Days  [PaEN] 

     -- DEP - Day 245: Expand Operating LLC Continuing Cleanup Of Ongoing Shale Gas Fracking Wastewater Release From Well Pad In Great Bend Twp., Susquehanna County  [PaEN] 

     -- DEP Signs Consent Orders With CNX Gas, Leatherwood LLC Requiring The Plugging Of 5 Conventional Coal Bed Methane Wells Prior To Longwall Coal Mining In Center Twp., Greene County  [PaEN]

     -- ‘Emergency’ Upset Natural Gas/Chemical Flare At MarkWest Harmon Cryogenic Natural Gas Processing Plant In Washington County Was Briefly Almost As Bright As The Moon Last Night   - Live Breathe Project Cameras   [April 30]

-- PA Oil & Gas Industrial Facilities: Permit Notices, Opportunities To Comment - May 2 [PaEN] 

     -- DEP Invites Comments On Chapter 105 Permit For 4.5 Mile EQT ARO Natural Gas Pipeline On State Forest Land In Lycoming County [PaEN] 

-- DEP Posted 62 Pages Of Permit-Related Notices In May 2 PA Bulletin  [PaEN] 

     -- DEP Accepting Comments On 2nd Stormwater Permit For SNA North LLC/QTS A.I. Data Center Project In Salem Twp., Luzerne County  [PaEN] 

     -- Public Utility Commission Sets July 10 Telephonic Hearing On PPL Condemnation Of 30 Properties For The Sugarloaf 500/230KV Transmission Line In Luzerne County To Serve Data Centers  [PaEN] 

     -- DEP To Hold June 16 Hearing On Water Quality Permit For Rustic Ridge II Coal Mining Permit In Westmoreland County  [PaEN] 

     -- DEP To Hold May 21 Informal Conference To Take Comments On The Proposed Addition Of 7,154 Acres To The Rosebud Mining Company Penfield Coal Mine In Clearfield County  [PaEN]

Related Articles This Week:

-- Environmental Health Project Calls On Gov. Shapiro To Address Health Hazards Of Fossil Fuels  [PaEN] 

-- DEP Receives Federal Funding To Study Human Health Impacts Of Leaking, Abandoned Conventional Oil & Gas Wells; Conventional Regulation Updates Delayed; Reports On Setback Petition By End Of 2026  [PaEN] 

-- House Committee Approves Bill To Strengthen State Response To Spills Of Hazardous Substances After Energy Transfer/Sunoco Jet Fuel Pipeline Spill In Bucks County [PaEN]

-- Environmental Defense Fund: Rollback Of Federal Methane Emission Limits On Oil & Gas Facilities Have Wasted $4.8 Billion Worth Of Natural Gas That Could Have Served 22 Million Homes- And Counting  [PaEN]

-- US Dept. Of Energy Cyber Threat Center Issues Another Warning To Oil & Gas Industry About Automatic Tank Gauge Manipulation By Malicious Cyber Threat Actors  [PaEN] 

-- In Case You Missed It: A.I./Data Center Articles - NewClips From Last Week - May 4  [PaEN] 

-- PUC Adopts Voluntary Large Load, Data Center Tariff Framework To Help Protect Ratepayers   [PaEN]

-- Environmental Defense Fund: PA Public Utility Commission Moves To Protect Consumers From A.I. Data Center Grid Costs: ‘The Stakes Are High Given The Scale And Speed Of Data Center-Driven Growth’ [PaEN] 

-- Gov. Shapiro Appoints Mark Szybist New Special Counsel For Energy Affordability  [PaEN] 

-- Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Approves Extension Of PJM Capacity Auction Price Cap, Floor For Next 2 Auctions  [PaEN]

-- Inquirer Guest Essay: Utility Shutoffs Pose Dire Risks To Families Unable To Afford Energy Bills - By David Taylor, Director Of Patient Advocacy, Drexel University College Of Medicine

-- Reuters: US Natural Gas Futures Hit 3-Week High As Output Falls And Companies Like EQT Cut Production Due To Low Spot Prices 

-- Reuters: US Consumers Face Rising Electricity Prices Pushed By A.I. Data Center Demand, Rising Natural Gas Prices, Tariffs On Steel/Aluminum, While Benefits From Low-Cost Clean Power Capacity Emerge  

-- Senate Committee Hears Electric Grid Issues Getting Worse; PJM Has Attracted 220 GW Of New Generation Proposals; PJM ‘Backstop’ Procurement Critical To Making Data Centers Pay For New Generation [PaEN] 

-- WHYY - Susan Phillips: Gov. Shapiro Says Regulated Electric, Natural Gas, Water Utility System In PA Is ‘Broken’ In Letter To 24 Companies Laying Out New System To Rein In Corporate Profits 

-- Post-Gazette - Anya Litvak & Laura Legere: A.I. Data Center Power Demand May Extend Conemaugh, Keystone Coal-Fired Power Plant Operations, Jobs For Years - But At A Cost

-- PA House Energy Committee Sets May 4 Meeting To Act On More Bills To Address Electric Grid Reliability, Affordability Issues: Authorize Virtual Power Plants, More  [PaEN] 

-- PA House Passes Bill To Require A.I. Data Centers To Report Water Use, Discharges To DEP  [PaEN]

-- PA Capital-Star: Electricity Grid Maps Could Speed Addition Of Renewable Energy To PA, PA House Panel Hears 

-- AP: Building Trades Unions Emerge As Key Political Allies Of Tech Giants In Push For A.I. Data Centers [PA Highlighted]

-- DEP Citizens Advisory Council Meets May 12 For Presentations On A Data Center Guide From Chester, Montgomery Counties; PFAS ‘Forever Chemical’ Contamination In Biosolids  [PaEN] 

-- Concerned Citizens Of Montour County: Data Center Developer Wants To Make It Harder For Citizens To Appeal Zoning, Permits; DCED Secretary Explains More On How They Want New GRID Principles To Work  [PaEN] 

-- Montour County: What A.I. Data Center Developers Don’t Like In Zoning Ordinances: Decommissioning Safeguards For When Their Tech Becomes Obsolete; No Noise Limits On Diesel Generators; No Property Value Impact Studies  [PaEN]

-- ABC27: A.I. Data Centers Dominate Statewide Township Leaders Convention 

-- Heatmap.News: Inside Josh Shapiro’s Attempt To Navigate The A.I. Data Center Backlash  [Based On Concerned Citizens Of Montour County Right To Know Request]

-- WVIA: Governor’s Office Removes Project Gravity 7 Building A.I. Data Center Project In Luzerne County From Fast Track Permitting Program  Due To Lack Of Transparency  [PaEN] 

-- Wilkes-Barre Times Leader Guest Essay: Public Backlash Against A.I. Data Centers Creating A Buildability Crisis - By Peter Clark, InsideSources.com 

-- Reading Eagle: Threats Of Violence Against Both Sides Dogging A.I. Data Center Projects In Limerick Twp., Montgomery County  [PDF of Article]

-- Scranton Times Chris Kelly Opinion: Archbald Is The Canary In The A.I. Data Center ‘Coal Mine;’  90 Data Center Buildings Proposed In Lackawanna County  [PDF of Article]

-- Tri-County Regional Planning Commission Publishes Model A.I. Data Center Ordinance; Links To Other Model Ordinances  [PaEN] 

-- PennLive - Charles Thompson: As A.I. Data Center Site Work Starts In Cumberland County, Neighbors Struggle With ‘The Monster Next Door:’ Blasting, Twp. Roads Failing, Failure To Communicate

-- FOX43: Massive, 700 Acre A.I. Data Center Project Construction In Cumberland County Bringing Noise, Concerns To Nearby Residents 

-- Pittsburgh Gateways Flips The Switch On New Rooftop Solar Energy System On Energy Innovation Center  [PaEN] 

-- Gov. Shapiro Announces $267 Million Investment In 31 PA Industry Projects To Reduce Air Pollution, Cut Energy Costs, Create Jobs, And Combat Greenhouse Gas Emissions In 23 Counties; Next Grant Round Opens May 15  [PaEN] 

-- PA Technical Assistance Program July 16 Webinar On Funding, Incentives For Energy Efficiency Improvements For Manufacturers  [PaEN] 

-- DCNR: Grid-Scale Solar Energy Installations Are Not Permitted On Any DCNR Lands Or On Lands That Have Received DCNR Grant Funds  [PaEN]

-- Maybe Folks Should Read This Article Again:  The Guardian: Anthropic’s Claude A.I. Agent’s Confession After Deleting A Firm’s Entire Database: ‘I Violated Every Principle I Was Given’ 

[Posted: May 1, 2026]  PA Environment Digest

DEP Accepting Comments On 2nd Stormwater Permit For SNA North LLC/QTS A.I. Data Center Project In Salem Twp., Luzerne County

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the May 2 PA Bulletin inviting comments on a second Stormwater Permit covering 150.38 acres in the SNA North LLC/QTS Project Zion-Blue (PH1E) Phase of the A.I. Data Center Project in Salem Township, Luzerne County.  (PA Bulletin, page 2409)

[The first Stormwater Permit covering 94 acres was published in the April 18 PA Bulletin. (PA Bulletin, page 2140)  Read more here.]

The project proposes demolition/clearing of existing structures and pavement to make way for the proposed improvements. The proposed improvements consist of grading, stormwater conveyance, and erosion and sediment control infrastructure.

The receiving streams for discharges from the site are Walker Run and an unnamed tributary to the Susquehanna River.

DEP will accept comments on this application until June 1-- 30 days from this notice.

No hearing has been scheduled, but one can be requested.

Comments, requests for a hearing or to review the application in-person, should be sent to DEP Northcentral Regional Office (NCRO)—208 W. Third Street, Suite 101, Williamsport, PA 17701 or call 570-327-3693 or email: RA-EPWW-NCRO@pa.gov.

Read the entire PA Bulletin notice for more information.  (PA Bulletin, page 2409)

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

[Posted: May 1, 2026] PA Environment Digest

Public Utility Commission Sets July 10 Telephonic Hearing On PPL Condemnation Of 30 Properties For The Sugarloaf 500/230KV Transmission Line In Luzerne County To Serve Data Centers

The Public Utility Commission published notice in the May 2 PA Bulletin announcing a July 10 telephone hearing on changes proposed by PPL Utilities to the Sunbury-Susquehanna 500kV electric line and the proposed condemnation of 30 properties for the Sugarloaf 500/230kV transmission line in Black Creek, Hazle, Hollenback, Nescopeck and Sugarloaf townships, Luzerne County.

The hearing will be held on July 10 before Administrative Law Judges Steven K. Haas and Emily A. Farren starting at 10:00 a.m.

Instructions for joining the hearing are included in the notice.

Instructions for submitting comments are included in the notice.

Documents related to each of the actions proposed in the notice can be accessed online by searching the Docket Number of each case included in the notice at the PUC Docket Search webpage.

Formal protests and petitions to intervene must be filed in accordance with 52 Pa. Code (relating to public utilities) on or before July 3, 2026. Filings must be made with the Secretary, Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, 400 North Street, Harrisburg, PA 17120, with a copy served on the applicant.

Read the entire PA Bulletin notice for more information.

Visit the PUC’s Transmission Lines webpage for background on how the PUC reviews transmission lines proposals.

[Posted: May 1, 2026] PA Environment Digest

DEP To Hold June 16 Hearing On Water Quality Permit For Rustic Ridge II Coal Mine In Westmoreland County

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the May 2 PA Bulletin announcing a June 16 hearing on a Water Quality Permit for the LCT Energy, LP Rustic Ridge II coal mine in Donegal and Mt. Pleasant Townships, Westmoreland County.  (PA Bulletin, page 2452)

The hearing will be held at St. Raymond of the Mountains Parish, 170 School House Lane in Donegal starting at 6:00 p.m.

The hearing is being held at the request of multiple citizens and Mountain Watershed Association who indicated concerns about the quality of the water proposed to be discharged, impacts on local drinking water and local ecosystems. 

Individuals interested in providing testimony should contact Laina Aquiline by email at laquiline@pa.gov or by calling 412-442-4311 at least 24 hours before the hearing. 

Additional written comments are due to DEP by June 30.

Copies of the application, fact sheet and related documents are on file for public review by appointment at Department of Environmental Protection, District Mining Operations, California District Mining Office, 25 Technology Drive, California Technology Park, Coal Center, PA 15423. 

Please call or email Lori Jenkins 724-769-1023 or lorjenkins@pa.gov to inquire about electronic application review options.

Read the entire PA Bulletin notice for more information. (PA Bulletin, page 2452)

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

Resource Links:

-- Inquirer - Andrew Seidman: How LCT Energy’s Rustic Ridge Coal Mine In Westmoreland County Won Over Harrisburg, Shapiro Administration, Now In Fight With Local Environmental Group  [PaEN] 

-- DEP Sets Aug. 20 Informal Conference [Open House/Hearing] On A New LCT Energy, LP Rustic Ridge II Bituminous Underground Coal Mine In Westmoreland County   [PaEN] 

-- Mountain Watershed Association Appeals 90% Reduction In Mine Subsidence Damage Bond For Rustic Ridge Coal Mine In Westmoreland, Fayette Counties From $3.1 Million To $292,679   [PaEN] 

-- Mountain Watershed Assn., LCT Energy Reach Agreement On Stronger Protections For Watershed While EHB Appeal Of Rustic Ridge #1 Coal Mine Expansion In Fayette, Westmoreland Counties Moves Forward   [PaEN] 

-- Mountain Watershed Association Files EHB Appeal Of DEP's Approval Of The 1,452 Acre Expansion of the Rustic Ridge #1 Coal Mine In Fayette, Westmoreland Counties   [PaEN] 

[Posted: May 1, 2026]  PA Environment Digest

DEP To Hold May 21 Informal Conference To Take Comments On The Proposed Addition Of 7,154 Acres To The Rosebud Mining Company Penfield Coal Mine In Clearfield County

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the May 2 PA Bulletin announcing a May 21 informal conference to take comments on the proposed addition of 7,154 acres to the Rosebud Mining Company Penfield Coal Mine in Huston and Sandy Townships, Clearfield County.  (PA Bulletin, page 2452)

The Informal Public Conference will be held at the Hickory Grange, 836 Mountain Run Road, Dubois beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Department staff will provide a brief presentation regarding the proposed activities in the application. 

Immediately following the presentation, the Department will hold an open forum with attendees to answer general questions regarding the permit application and permitting process. 

Mapping will be available for attendees to review with Department staff to assist with questions.

Department staff will be available to receive both written and oral testimony regarding the application.

DEP will accept additional written comments until June 4.

Copies of the application, fact sheet and related documents are on file for public review by appointment at Department of Environmental Protection, District Mining Operations, California District Mining Office, 25 Technology Drive, California Technology Park, Coal Center, PA 15423. 

Please call or email Lori Jenkins 724-769-1023 or lorjenkins@pa.gov to inquire about electronic application review options.

Read the entire PA Bulletin notice for more information. (PA Bulletin, page 2452)

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

[Posted: May 1, 2026]  PA Environment Digest

Pittsburgh Gateways Flips The Switch On New Rooftop Solar Energy System On Energy Innovation Center

On April 30, Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor joined Pittsburgh Gateways Corporation to flip the switch on the Energy Innovation Center’s new rooftop solar system, facilitated with the support of Bridgeway Capital and the nonprofit PA Solar Center’s GET Solar consulting program.

The 291-kW solar energy system, installed by local developer Scalo Solar, will produce about 350,000 kWh each year and cover 21 percent of the facility's energy needs. 

The solar system is projected to generate approximately $50,000 in electricity savings each year for the next 25 years.

Pittsburgh Gateways received a project loan from Bridgeway Capital and is applying for the federal solar 40 percent tax credit, in order to support the project economics. 

The PA Solar Center helped Pittsburgh Gateways secure the funding and tax credit through their GET Solar consulting program, which offers full-spectrum consulting services and financial guidance to businesses, nonprofits, municipalities, schools, faith communities, and other non-residential organizations looking to go solar.

“This is another great example of partners coming together to get big things done for the growth and sustainability of our city,” said Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor. “Thank you to Pittsburgh Gateways and everyone involved for their work on this solar transition. As we see more organizations looking at solar, the PA Solar Center has 82 projects underway across our region that would generate enough electricity to power PNC Park for almost 4,500 games.

“Pittsburgh Gateways is proud to have expanded our investment in renewable energy, which will produce dramatic savings for the Energy Innovation Center down the road,” said Don Evans, President and CEO of Pittsburgh Gateways Corporation, which owns the Energy Innovation Center. “Further, this project has allowed Pittsburgh Gateways to continue its mission of aligning workforce development and education, engaging corporate and community leaders, developing and demonstrating technology, and incubating businesses to support emerging and sustainable energy markets.”

“Bridgeway Capital is proud to support this important energy transition for Pittsburgh Gateways and the Energy Innovation Center,” said Dawn Seckler, Chief Strategy & Development Officer at Bridgeway Capital. “We applaud them for their leadership and vision in going solar, and we look forward to supporting more projects in the future to help Pittsburgh continue its transition into the sustainable energy economy.”

“Energy prices have gone up about 46 percent since 2018, so going solar helps save consumers significant money while reducing their carbon footprint,” said Sharon Pillar, Founder and Executive Director of the PA Solar Center. “It was an honor for our GET Solar program to provide solar consulting services on such a remarkable project, and it is our hope that the Energy Innovation Center will serve as an inspiration to other area organizations and businesses in flipping the switch to solar.”    

“Over the past two years, Scalo Solar has installed 2,500 megawatts of solar in the Pittsburgh area, deploying about 30 workers who are all local to the region,” said Mark Heckathorne, COO/Executive Vice President of Scalo Solar. “We’re proud to report that we had 15 local workers on this project for Pittsburgh Gateways alone. Scalo congratulates Pittsburgh Gateways and the Energy Innovation Center for providing such admirable sustainable, and economical, stewardship of resources.”

Solar energy is the fastest-growing and most economical energy in the country and is saving businesses, nonprofits, communities, and residents thousands of dollars in utility bills. 

Entities that go solar are hedging against volatile electricity pricing because once the upfront equipment costs are paid, the cost of solar is free.

The Pennsylvania Solar Center is a 501c3 nonprofit organization with the mission to expand the benefits of solar to all Pennsylvanians through full-spectrum solar consulting, which includes preliminary feasibility assessment, financial navigation, bid support, and communication strategy. 

NewsClip:

-- WESA - Rachel McDevitt: Hill District Energy Tech Hub In Pittsburgh Puts ‘Lazy Roof’ To Work With New Solar Energy Installation

[Posted: May 1, 2026]  PA Environment Digest