DEP fines driller for illegally transferring fracking water

Reporting of an Article "DEP fines driller for illegally transferring fracking water" -
Wayne Independent
Sat Apr 24, 2010, 08:00 AM EDT
Williamsport, Pa. -

The Department of Environmental Protection has fined Stallion Oilfield Services of Canonsburg $6,500 for operating a transfer station without a permit last year at its facility in Old Lycoming Township, Lycoming County.

The financial penalty represents DEP’s latest enforcement action against Stallion. It previously issued a notice of violation to the company in June 2009, which prompted the company to stop operating its transfer station.

“DEP conducted an inspection at Stallion in June 2009 and discovered that the company was operating a fracking water transfer station without the required DEP permit,” said DEP North-central Regional Director Robert Yowell. “Businesses that support the natural gas exploration industry like Stallion must improve their compliance with Pennsylvania’s waste management regulations. DEP continues to look aggressively for these illegal transfer stations and will take appropriate enforcement action whenever we find them.”

There were 21 fracking water tanks at the site divided into two staging areas. The tanks were used to store fracking flowback water from natural gas wells.

DEP inspectors also found a 450-square foot area where fracking water had spilled onto the ground. Soil samples showed high levels of chlorides and barium, which are common constituents of fracking water. Stallion subsequently excavated and properly disposed of about seven cubic yards of soil.

DEP’s follow-up inspection in August 2009 confirmed that the company had halted the illegal transfer station activity.

The fine was paid to the Solid Waste Abatement Fund, which helps to pay for cleanups across the state.

For more information, call (570)327-3659 or visit http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/.
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My main comment - Great Job !- Fine should be significantly higher- lets start adding some zeros.  This fine probably does not cover the cost for the additional inspections and oversight of cleanup.