PA Environment Digest Blog: Middle Susquehanna RiverKeeper: DEP Considering ‘Alternative Enforcement Measures’ To Assure Cleanup Of Eureka Resources Oil & Gas Wastewater Treatment Plants In Lycoming, Bradford Counties

On August 24, the Middle Susquehanna RiverKeeper posted an update on the cleanup of the three Eureka Resources oil and gas wastewater treatment plants in Lycoming and Bradford counties saying DEP is considering ‘alternative enforcement measures’ to assure site cleanups.

Eureka Resources is still responsible for cleanup obligations at both the Second Street (Williamsport) and Standing Stone (Bradford County) sites even after selling the operations and equipment recently to Select Water, according to Megan Lehman, Regional Communications Manager for the Department of Environmental Protection.

“While the Catawissa Avenue (Reach Road) Williamsport site has been sold, Eureka Resources remains the responsible party for the tank remaining at that site, as stated in the DEP’s letter confirming transfer of the permit for that site [to Myers Water Transfer - Hydro Edge] (shared in the MSRKA's Aug. 3 blog post). The original deadlines for removal of material from the sites remain in effect.”

"We are watching this situation closely, especially that the waste is properly removed from these sites and looking ahead to permits for what happens next at each location," said Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper John Zaktansky. "We are committed to making sure information continues to be available and transparency a priority, especially considering the magnitude of the event that happened a year ago and the ongoing cleanup efforts at each site."

Wastewater and sludges remain on each of the Eureka Resources plant sites.

Click Here to read the entire article.

(Photo: Vac containers awaiting disposal at Eureka’s Second Street Plant from DEP inspection report.)

Resource Links:

-- PennLive: Attorney General Sunday Files More Criminal Charges Against Eureka Resources, This Time For Releasing Oily Oil & Gas Wastewater From Its Williamsport Plant Last August [PaEN]

-- PennLive: Attorney General Sunday Files Criminal Charges Against Eureka Resources For Oil & Gas Wastewater Leaks From Its Now Closed Standing Stone Facility In Wysox Twp., Bradford County [PaEN]

-- Middle Susquehanna RiverKeeper Blog: Nearly 1 Year Since Eureka Resources Oil & Gas Wastewater Spill, Company Sold Its Operations, Wastewater Still At All 3 Facilities [PaEN]

-- DEP Files Contempt Of Court Action, Fines Eureka Resources $100,000 For Multiple Violations At Oil & Gas Wastewater Treatment Facilities In Bradford, Lycoming Counties [PaEN]

-- DEP: Eureka Resources Has Until Jan. 31, 2026 To Remove All Wastewater From Its 3 Closed Oil & Gas Wastewater Treatment Plants; About 1.5 Million Gallons Of Wastewater Remains In Bradford County Facility [PaEN]

Oil & Gas Weekly Compliance Snapshot:

-- Middle Susquehanna RiverKeeper: DEP Considering ‘Alternative Enforcement Measures’ To Assure Cleanup Of Eureka Resources Oil & Gas Wastewater Treatment Plants In Lycoming, Bradford Counties [PaEN]

-- DEP - Day 62: Contaminated Water Releases, Polluted Soil At Multiple Locations At Equitrans Water SVC [EQT] Richter Shale Gas Water Impoundment; Little Cleanup Happening In Greene County [PaEN]