The access road will be used to develop multiple shale gas drilling well pads and other natural gas infrastructure in the Loyalsock State Forest where the project is located.
The groups say the project will have a significant impact on some of the most ecologically diverse forest lands in the Loyalsock State Forest, has the potential to degrade several Exceptional Value streams and will cut off public access to the use of popular upland hunting and primitive forest hiking areas.
The Chapter 105 permit is being reviewed by DEP’s Oil and Gas Management Program in Williamsport. Read more here.
Here are excerpts from the requests for a hearing sent to DEP.
PA Trout Unlimited
The PA Trout Unlimited request said, in part--
The Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited (PATU), representing nearly 12,000 anglers and conservationists, is writing to express concerns related to the application from Pennsylvania General Energy, Co. LLC to construct, operate and maintain twenty (20) permanent stream crossings, nineteen (19) temporary stream crossings, eight (8) permanent wetland crossings and ten (10) temporary wetland crossings in Gamble and Cascade Townships, Lycoming County.
Our (PATU) concerns are a significant loss of DCNR forest resources, potential degradation of Exceptional Value (EV) waters, and loss of esthetic wild forest recreational values.
The road will traverse EV upland springs and ravine headwaters that drop down into Jacoby and Bar Bottom hollows which harbor wild trout and are popular scenic and unique wild hiking areas.
The "permanent" road may be used by trucks carrying recycled flowback, produced residual wastewaters, and process chemicals including enhanced levels of radioactivity, barium and strontium constituents, traversing steep mountainsides and ravines.
The proposed first pad and road to and from it, if built where shown by PGE, will cut off public access use of a popular upland hunting and hiking area primitive forest road (Dad-Dad Chapman Road) and hiking route down to popular Jacoby Falls located just down the steep mountainside from the pad.
PATU has the following questions pertaining to the project and is requesting a public hearing to have our questions and concerns addressed along with other stakeholders--
1. What concerns does PA DEP have for the proposed impacts to the EV streams and wetlands?
2. Does PGE have a restoration plan for the road when access is no longer needed?
3. Does PGE have a mitigation plan for the impacts to the EV waters?
4. Has or will pre-project baseline water quality and aquatic life monitoring take place in the EV springs and streams impacted by the proposed project?
5. How will the DEP comprehensively evaluate and eliminate risks to the EV resources of the subject watershed from the subsequent Saluda Project that the proposed road will serve, and the potential hydrologic and water quality impacts that may result from the project?
Keystone Trails Association
The Keystone Trails Association submitted this request--
Keystone Trails Association (KTA) is a nonprofit organization with a mission to protect, preserve, provide, and promote hiking trails and hiking opportunities in Pennsylvania.
Since 1956, we have served a statewide voice on hiking matters. We represent thousands of members and followers from across the Commonwealth.
Our work is rooted in the conservation, stewardship, and responsible enjoyment of Penn’s Woods.
KTA respectfully requests the Department of Environmental Protection to schedule a public hearing on Pennsylvania General Energy Company’s Chapter 105 encroachment permit for a 3.9-mile shale gas well pad development access road and staging area in the Loyalsock State Forest in Gamble and Cascade Townships,
The Loyalsock State Forest is a treasured natural resource, beloved by hikers and other recreationalists near and far.
The famed and popular Loyalsock Trail, known for its scenic wonders, solitude, and quiet, meanders through these same forestlands.
Modern natural gas development is incongruent with forest values and contradictory to conservation objectives of the PA DCNR.
This specific proposal is especially detrimental to the environment and to the backcountry hiking experience. Its scale and impact are quite consequential.
The area contains sensitive hydrology, aquatic ecosystems, and terrestrial biota vulnerable to the degradation implicit in the proposed development activities, the effects of which cannot be merely mitigated.
The solution is to deny these activities or locate them elsewhere. They do not belong in a public forest as Article 1, Section 27 of the Pennsylvania Constitution well attests.
We adamantly request a public hearing on this matter to allow a proper vetting of the many concerning aspects of the project.
Such a hearing is fully consistent with 25 Pa. Code §105.15 (Public Notice and Hearing) and with the Commonwealth’s trustee obligations under the aforementioned environmental rights amendment to the PA constitution.
At least thirty days public notice should be granted to allow time for the preparation of testimony and ample planning for attendance.
Responsible Drilling Alliance
The Responsible Drilling Alliance request included these concerns--
The Responsible Drilling Alliance (RDA)is a registered 501(c)(3) conservation organization founded in Lycoming County in 2009 and dedicated to the protection of Pennsylvania’s public lands and waters.
RDA respectfully requests the Department of Environmental Protection to schedule a public hearing on Pennsylvania General Energy Company’s Chapter 105 encroachment permit for a 3.9-mile shale gas well pad development access road and staging area in the Loyalsock State Forest in Gamble and Cascade Townships, Lycoming County
These Loyalsock woodlands, located at the top of Jacoby and Cove Mountains, include one of the most beloved hikes in Lycoming County.
On any given summer day, children and adults alike can be seen cooling off in the waters of Jacoby Falls after the 1.6-mile trek to the 18-foot waterfall created by Jacoby Run, a native trout stream.
In winter months, photographers and nature-lovers are treated to spectacular views of the frozen semicircular falls and rock formation.
Other hikers approach the falls from the top by parking beside Butternut Grove Road and hiking along the old logging road known as Dad-Dad-Chapman.
In addition to families and hikers, these woodlands are also beloved by hunters, cross-country skiers, bird waters, photographers, and all manner of outdoor enthusiasts.
This treasured forest is part of Pennsylvania residents’ common wealth, where access and enjoyment is guaranteed by Article 1, Section 27 of the Pennsylvania Constitution.
The state forest comprising COP tracts 723 and 724 also represents some of the Loyalsock’s most ecologically diverse woodlands.
The intact forest, natural hydrology, vernal pools, and cold-water habitats support native brook trout populations and a wide array of amphibians and aquatic invertebrates.
Because the Loyalsock Creek watershed carries the Commonwealth’s highest water-quality designation, even small disturbances upstream result in cumulative impacts inconsistent with Pennsylvania’s antidegradation standards.
The scope of this project —occurring on public trust lands within an EV watershed—clearly warrants a public forum that allows citizens, scientists, and affected stakeholders to present data and testimony.
Holding such a hearing is fully consistent with 25 Pa. Code §105.15 (Public Notice and Hearing) and with the Commonwealth’s trustee obligations under Article I, Section 27 of the Pennsylvania Constitution, which require protection of public natural resources for present and future generations.
Shale Gas Impacts In Nearby State Forests
To understand the kind of impacts shale gas access roads and well pad development has on State Forest land, examples can be found in the nearby Tioga State Forest.
In November, 2024, the Tioga County-based Pine Creek Headwaters Protection Group devoted most of its Winter 2024-25 newsletter to providing an update on industrial shale gas development in the Tioga State Forest. Read more here.
The Headwaters Protection Group was formed to protect Pine Creek, its headwaters and the forests and fields within that area.
They have never taken a formal position against fracking, but have worked to ensure the shale gas industry does “the least harm” possible to their beloved Tioga County.
The group documented the impact of shale gas infrastructure development in the State Forest by Seneca Resources that was charged with 64 criminal counts of illegal shale gas waste disposal in eight counties-- including Tioga County-- on October 31. Read more here.
They pointed out how Baldwin Run Road has been transformed from a “no winter maintenance” township dirt road into a 24/7, partially paved truck thruway, and Norris Brook Road has been paved most of its length.
They noted how the construction of natural gas and water pipelines to connect the shale gas pads have fragmented the forest and wildlife habitats.
The group said they will continue to “redress Seneca Resources’ current plan, which once again prioritizes profit for the Shale Gas industry over the Pennsylvania constitutional mandate to preserve and protect this environmentally sensitive and historically highly-valued recreational area.” Read more here.
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 and Inspection Reports Viewer webpages to search their compliance records by date and owner.
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: Documented shale gas development impacts in Tioga State Forest by Pine Creek Headwaters Protection Group-- top- Tioga State Forest well pads; bottom-- Baldwin Run Road 24/7 shale gas highway; Recently cleared pipeline right-of-way between Baldwin Run and Norris Brook.)
Resource Links - State Forest Shale Gas Impacts:
-- Pine Creek Headwaters Protection Group Update: Industrial Shale Gas Development In Tioga State Forest Prioritizes Industry Profit Over Constitutional Mandate To Preserve, Protect State Forest Lands [PaEN]
Related Article This Week:
-- PA Trout Unlimited, Keystone Trails Assn., Responsible Drilling Alliance Request DEP To Hold Hearing On Permit For PA General Energy 3.9 Mile Shale Gas Access Road/Staging Area In Loyalsock State Forest, Lycoming County [PaEN]
-- EPA's Delay Of Oil & Gas Industry Methane Emissions Reductions Harms Pennsylvanians; Reactions From PA, Related Groups [PaEN]
NewsClips:
-- Bloomberg: There’s Too Much Oil: Who Are The Winners And Losers?
-- Broad & Liberty Guest Essay: Pennsylvania Needs More Energy And Sensible Regulation To Lure A.I. Data Centers - Gordon Tomb, Commonwealth Foundation [PA Is Already Flooded With Proposals, Electric Bills, Natural Gas Bills Surging As A Result]
[Posted: December 3, 2025] PA Environment Digest
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