The initial inspection on June 25 found EQT was actively working to clean up contaminated soil from the release at multiple locations and defined the basic outline of what happened.
The second inspection on June 29 found additional areas of contamination and assessed cleanup measures, including containment of contaminated fluids.
The observations included DEP finding drainage pipes being constructed along a sediment pond and an access point held together with what “appears [to be] duct tape.”
Further details below.
Initial Inspection June 25
DEP’s inspection report said EQT "was actively working on restoring the Richter Impoundment when the release occurred.”
“As a part of the restoration, the water line vault was decommissioned, the valves were cut from the waterlines, and the concrete vault box was removed.”
EQT indicated that an unknown amount of impaired fluid was released to the ground on June 17, 2026.
“The fluid originated from the pipeline previously connected to the decommissioned waterline vault. The impaired fluid proceeded to enter the impoundment and southern slope below the impoundment.”
EQT "indicated that a toe key drain was located and elevated fluid was detected emanating from that location and was reported to exhibit elevated conductivity readings."
"Contractors removed the fluid from the impoundment by pumping the fluid into a filter bag located on the east side of the project and later discovered that the fluid within the impoundment was not precipitation but rather the impaired fluid from the release.”
‘DEP] I observed elevated fluid within rain garden, within two seeps upgradient from the rain garden, and a line of distressed vegetation between the filter bag and the raingarden.
DEP “also observed distressed vegetation beginning at the filter bag heading east off the limit of disturbance and onto the adjacent landowners’ property."
“Moody and Associates and SPSI were on site delineating the impacted areas. The contractor was in the process of removing impacted soil from the impoundment.
“The impacted material was being loaded into rolloff boxes and staged for disposal.
“Approximately 21 rolloff boxes were staged for disposal with additional boxes anticipated.”
EQT said they plan to use the Act 2 Land Recycling cleanup stands and process for the release of contaminated water.
Multiple violations were issued, including--
-- Failure to notify DEP of the release as soon as practicable
-- Discharging industrial waste into waters of the Commonwealth
-- Failure to manage oil and gas waste to prevent pollution
-- Failure to properly disposal of oil and gas waste
-- Failure to document compliance with regulations and make records available
DEP inspection report + photos.
Follow-up Inspection June 29
DEP conducted a follow-up inspection of the Equitrans Richter Impoundment reclamation site on June 29 that resulted in a three-part inspection report with photos - Inspection Report #1, Inspection Report #2, Inspection Report #3.
This inspection found additional areas of contamination and assessed cleanup measures, including containment of contaminated fluids.
The observations included DEP finding drainage pipes being constructed along a sediment pond and an access point held together with what “appears [to be] duct tape.”
Equitrans continue to excavate contaminated soil and installed pumps next to the rain garden to collect contaminated water.
DEP detected contaminated water actively flowing from the pond drainage point that were confirmed by field conductivity tests.
“I observed reddish color with a shiny film on top of the pond outfall and elevated conductivity readings.”
Field tests also confirmed multiple areas of elevated readings in fluids within multiple excavated benches downslope of the pipeline valve vault area.
“I observed drainage pipes being constructed along the pond and access point. It appears duct tape is holding the pipes together. I recommend stronger enforcements to hold the pipes together to prevent additional releases.”
Samples were taken at multiple locations.
Violations continued from June 25.
DEP requested a written response by July 18.
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.
(Photo: Row 1-- June 25 inspection: Mapped of impacted areas shown as hatched areas; Removing contaminated material from impoundment; Excavated benches below former pipeline valve area; Row 2-- June 25 inspection: Distressed vegetation going downslope; Excavated bench down slope; Contaminated rain garden; Row 3- June 29 inspection: Excavation of contaminated soil continues; Pump and pipe installed at rain garden to collect contaminated water; Drainage pipe held together by duct tape.”
[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.]
Related Articles This Week:
-- First Report: DEP: Equitrans Water SVC (PA) LLC Reports Wastewater Release From Pipeline Connected To Richter Shale Gas Water Impoundment During Reclamation In Aleppo Twp., Greene County [PaEN]
-- UPDATED: DEP: Equitrans Water SVC Reports Wastewater Release From Pipeline Connected To Richter Shale Gas Water Impoundment During Reclamation In Aleppo Twp., Greene County; Drainage Pipes Held Together By Duct Tape [PaEN]
[Posted: July 2, 2026] PA Environment Digest
