Remediation was ongoing at the former pipeline vault location where contaminated fluid was still accumulating from the pipes cut during the original incident.
Elevated conductivity readings were also observed on the excavated benches and in test pits downslope of the vault.
“Spill cessation and remediation efforts are ongoing downslope of the release” and distressed vegetation and algae was seen near and in a sediment pond.
The cleanup consultant said soil removal at the impoundment is on hold until a geotechnical study can be conducted to better document the extent of the spill.
Elevated conductivity was also found further downslope adjacent to dewatering filter bags used during dewatering operations at the impoundment.
DEP noted 18 roll off dumpsters holding contaminated material were located on the site as well as one storage tank to hold contaminated water. Nine more dumpsters were staged at the contaminated soil stockpile.
“Outstanding violations are being issued due to observing continuous [contaminated water] discharge to waters of the Commonwealth.”
A written response to the violations was requested by July 20 (original date July 18).
Click Here for the DEP inspection report + photos.
Original Incident
Equitrans reported the spill incident to DEP on June 17 and DEP first inspected the site on June 25 and 29. Read more here.
Equitrans said an unknown amount of contaminated water was released from pipes connected to the Richter Water Impoundment during reclamation of the site.
“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.”
Equitrans "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."
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: Original spill site vault areas and cut pipes; Field testing bench areas; Roll offs and contaminated water storage tank; Overview of excavation area; Field testing further into impoundment; Contaminated dewatering area.)
[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:
-- State Dept. Of Health Environmental Health Indicators Map Is Now Available To Show Potential Health Risks Near You, Including Oil & Gas Facilities & How To File A Report On A Health Concern [PaEN]
-- DEP: Lola Energy Petroco Reported 4,200 Gallon Spill Caused By Contaminated Water Eating Thru A Pipe Fitting At Shale Gas Well Pad In Allegheny Twp., Butler County [PaEN]
-- DEP - Day 15: Contaminated Water Continues To Leak From Pipes Cut During Restoration At Equitrans Water SVC Richter Shale Gas Water Impoundment In Greene County [PaEN]
-- Guest Essay: Weighing The Pros And Cons Of KeyState Energy’s Natural Gas-Based Fertilizer Plant In Karthaus Twp., Clearfield County - By Ben Hoffman, Farmer, Karthaus Township [PaEN]
-- Delaware RiverKeeper Alert: Amendment In Congress Would Strip Delaware River Basin Commission Of Its Authority To Enforce The Ban On Oil & Gas Fracking In Delaware Watershed [PaEN]
-- PA House Republican Proposes Bill To Strip Citizens Of The Right To Request A Suspension Of A DEP Permit To Prevent Irreparable Harm From Occurring While An Appeal Is Heard Before The Environmental Hearing Board [PaEN]
NewsClips:
-- WHYY - Zoe Read: Nicetown Residents In Philly Want Answers After PUC Finds Philadelphia Gas Works Not Responsible For Deadly Natural Gas Explosion
-- Ohio River Valley Institute: Shell Petrochemical Plant Promised On Economic Renaissance, Beaver County Is Still Falling Behind
-- PennLive Guest Essay: PA Lawmakers Shouldn’t Overturn PA Supreme Court Decision Restoring Oil & Gas Property Rights To Their Rightful Owners - By Sherman Powell, Member Of Proctor Family Who Regained Their Property Unlawfully Taken
-- KDKA: Allegheny County DA Investigating 35 Cases Of Deed Fraud, Deeds Transferred To An LLC Without Homeowners’ Knowledge [Also Happens With Oil & Gas Property Rights]
[Posted: July 10, 2026] PA Environment Digest
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