Record $4.5M fine pursued against gas driller
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WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania environmental regulators are pursuing a record $4.5 million fine against a gas driller over what they describe as a major case of pollution from a leaking waste pit.
The Department of Environmental Protection announced the fine against EQT Production Co. on Tuesday. Acting DEP Secretary Dana Aunkst says EQT has been uncooperative during the investigation and “fails to recognize the ongoing environmental harm” from its leaking impoundment in Duncan Township, Tioga County.
The impoundment held fracking wastewater. Environmental regulators say more than 200 holes were found in the impoundment’s lining. They say streams, springs, trees and shrubs were impacted.
An EQT spokeswoman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The penalty would be the largest the state has ever imposed on the Marcellus Shale gas industry.