Pennsylvania DEP Issues Extensive Permit Approvals and Remediation Notices for Oil and Gas Facilities

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has announced a series of regulatory actions involving soil remediation, air quality permits, and infrastructure projects across the state's oil and gas sector. Key operators including Repsol, Coterra Energy, and Expand Operating have received approvals for site cleanups, while significant midstream assets like the Beardslee and Pettit compressor stations have secured air quality plan updates. These notices highlight the DEP's active oversight of environmental compliance and the continued expansion of natural gas power and transport infrastructure in the Appalachian Basin.

Several major operators have reached milestones in environmental remediation at shale gas well pads across Bradford, Susquehanna, and Tioga counties. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) received or approved Final Reports for soil remediation related to production wastewater contamination from Repsol Oil & Gas USA LLC at the Vanblarcom pad, Coterra Energy at the Aldrich and C. Frystack pads, and Expand Operating LLC at the Oilcan pad. These cleanups were conducted to meet Statewide Health Standards under the Act 2 Land Recycling program. So far in 2026, the DEP has processed 108 such notices related to the cleanup of oil and gas facility sites, highlighting the industry's ongoing efforts to address environmental impacts from production activities.

Significant regulatory activity was also recorded regarding air quality permits for midstream and power generation infrastructure. The DEP issued or renewed permits for multiple facilities, including Expand Operating’s Scarlet Oak and Drann compressor/pigging stations in Susquehanna County, and Blackhill Energy’s Beardslee Compressor Station in Bradford County. Additionally, Hickory Run Energy received an Air Quality Plan Approval for its 1,034 MW natural gas power plant in Lawrence County, while EQM Gathering OPCO secured a reviewed permit for its Pettit Compressor Station. Other notable actions include air quality renewals for Repsol’s Decristo D shale gas pad and Wycomp LLC’s Fairview Twp. Compressor Station.

Beyond routine permitting, the DEP reported environmental incidents and infrastructure projects that underscore the risks of aging or faulty equipment. This includes a wastewater release from an Equitrans Water SVC pipeline in Greene County, where drainage pipes were reportedly held together by duct tape, and a report that Seneca Resources failed to notify the agency of casing and cementing failures in six shale gas wells for 15 years. On the infrastructure front, UGI Utilities is seeking a stormwater permit for a natural gas pipeline replacement project in Venango County, and EQM Gathering EPCO received a permit for a pipeline project impacting Pucketa Creek. These developments reflect the complex balance of maintaining existing assets while expanding the state's natural gas footprint.