Equitrans originally 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.
During the July 20 inspection, DEP said "elevated conductivity readings were observed throughout the excavation of the former [pipeline valve] vault" and "roughly 20 ft below the surface."
DEP also found elevated conductivity readings within several benches excavated downslope from the vault area.
"The impoundment remediation site has fluid remaining within. I observed an explosive canister shell within the impoundment hole and over range [conductivity] readings within hole as well."
"No additional remediation has been conducted at the eastern end of the impoundment due to Moody waiting on Geotechnical study results" to determine the extent of the contamination.
DEP continued the failure to comply with an order violation originally issued on July 14, 2026. DEP inspection report + photos.
Resource Links:
-- DEP: Equitrans Water SVC [EQT] 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]
-- DEP - Day 15: Contaminated Water Continues To Leak From Pipes Cut During Restoration At Equitrans Water SVC [EQT] Richter Shale Gas Water Impoundment In Greene County [PaEN]
-- DEP: Equitrans Water SVC LLC [EQT] Suffers Another Contaminated Water Release From Buried Shale Gas Wastewater Pipeline In Aleppo Twp., Greene County [PaEN]
(Photos: Row 1-- Benches downslope from valve vault with elevated readings; Hole water with elevated readings; Water standing in impoundment area with elevated readings; Row 2-- Explosive canister; Impoundment excavation area; Drainage pipe with elevated readings below outlet.)
[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:
-- DEP: Apollo Resources Reports Released Of 3,200 Gallons Of Contaminated Water From Conventional Oil & Gas Well Storage Tank In Snow Shoe Twp., Centre County [PaEN]
-- Center For Coalfield Justice Hosts In-Person Aug. 5 Shale Gas Fracking And Public Health 101 - The People's Cancer Incidence Screening Tool In Washington County [PaEN]
NewsClips:
-- WESA: PA DEP Says Landfill Leachate From Oil/Gas Wastes Poses No Health Risk; Environmentalists Aren’t So Sure [DEP Said Its Results Were Based On ‘Limited’ Data, More Analysis Is Warranted ]
-- Phys.org: Pennsylvania Roads Are Being Coated In Radioactive Oil & Gas Wastewater - Here’s Why - By William Burgos, Nathaniel Warner, Penn State University, The Conversation
-- Americans-Dream.com: EQT Natural Gas & Toby Rice Should Have A Heart And Pave West Pike Run Twp. Road In Washington County, Parents Fear For Disabled Son’s Safety
-- Observer-Reporter: DEP, Washington Conservation District Visit West Pike Run Twp. To Inspect Road Deteriorating Under The Impact Of Heavy Shale Gas Development Truck Traffic
-- Observer-Reporter: DEP To Develop New Methane Rules For Oil & Gas Operations
[Posted: July 28, 2026] PA Environment Digest
No comments :
Post a Comment