DEP Accepting Comments On Water Quality Permit For Installation Of A CNX Midstream Operating Water Withdrawal Intake In Beaver Run Reservoir To Support Shale Gas Development In Westmoreland County

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the April 4 PA Bulletin inviting comments on a Chapter 105 permit for CNX Midstream Operating Company, LLC to construct a water intake at the Beaver Run Reservoir in Bell and Salem Townships, Westmoreland County.  (PA Bulletin, page 1881)

The project involves construction of a floating intake structure and associated pipelines and support structures.

The Beaver Run Reservoir is operated by the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County and is one of two primary sources of water for nearly 123,000 people.

Dry conditions in Westmoreland County in 2023 and 2024 lead to voluntary and mandatory water use restrictions in the Authority’s water system. Read more here.

Another shale gas driller-- Olympus Energy-- now EQT Corporation-- operates water withdrawal structures on the same reservoir. Read more here.

The volume of water used by shale gas drillers in the area led CNX Resources to develop a $20 million Kiski Water Pipeline project in 2024 to bring water to the region to support shale gas operations. Read more here.

The pipeline was supposed to serve as an alternative to purchasing water from the Westmoreland Authority.

DEP is accepting comments until May 4-- 30 days from the notice.

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

To make an appointment to review the application, or to send comments, contact the DEP Southwest Regional Office, Oil and Gas Management Program, 400 Waterfront Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, call 412-442-4281 or email: RA-EPSW-OGSUBMISSION@pa.gov. 

Questions should be directed to D. J. Stevenson, 412-442-4281 or email: RA-EPSW-OGSUBMISSION@pa.gov.

Read the entire PA Bulletin notice for more information. (PA Bulletin, page 1881)

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.

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-- Reuters: Oil/Natural Gas Companies To Reap Billions From President’s War On Iran After A Month Of Soaring Energy Prices 

-- JDSupra.com: PA Commonwealth Court Address Legal Standing To Challenge Shale Gas Well Drilling Site

-- Reuters: US Exempts Gulf Of Mexico Oil/Natural Gas Drillers From Protecting Endangered Species Due To The ‘Emergency’ Caused By The President’s War Against Iran

-- BBC: US President Tells UK, Other Allies To ‘Go Get Your Own Oil’ From The Strait Of Hormuz As The President’s War Against Iran Continues 

-- Reuters: EU Tells Members To Prepare For ‘Prolonged Disruption’ To Oil/Natural Gas Energy Markets  

[Posted: April 3, 2026]  PA Environment Digest