DEP Invites Comments On PA General Energy Constructing 3 Shale Natural Gas, Water Pipelines Thru Exceptional Value, High Quality, Wild Trout Streams In Lycoming County

The Department of Environmental Protection is inviting comments on a proposed Chapter 105 permit and Section 401 Water Quality Certification for three new PA General Energy shale natural gas and water pipelines in Cummings and McHenry Townships, Lycoming County.  (PA Bulletin, page 6237)

The project would build three pipelines– 12-inch shale natural gas pipeline and two 8-inch flexsteel water pipelines– within a 30-foot wide, 3.7 mile long permanent right-of-way and a temporary right-of-way that varies in width

The company proposes open cut crossings of nine streams and one wetland.  The stream crossings include–

— Hackett Fork – Exceptional Value, Wild Trout Stream

— Ott Fork – High Quality-Cold Water Fishery, Wild Trout Stream

— Bennys Run (Channel 4) – High Quality-Cold Water Fishery, Wild Trout Stream

— Bennys Run (Channel 5) – High Quality-Cold Water Fishery, Wild Trout Stream

— Bark Cabin Run – High Quality-Cold Water Fishery, Wild Trout Stream

— Silver Branch (Channel 9A)- High Quality-Cold Water Fishery, Wild Trout Stream

— Silver Branch (Channel 10)- High Quality-Cold Water Fishery, Wild Trout Stream

— Bennys Run (Channel 12) – High Quality-Cold Water Fishery, Wild Trout Stream

            Questions and comments should be directed to: RA-EPEASTERNOGPRG@pa.gov  at DEP’s Eastern District Oil and Gas Management Program Office, 208 West Third Street in Williamsport or call 570-321-6550.

The deadline for public comments is November 6.

DEP may schedule a fact-finding hearing or an informal conference in response to comments if deemed necessary.

Maps, drawings and other data pertinent to the certification request are available for inspection between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on each working day at the office noted above the application.

            Read the entire PA Bulletin notice for more information.  (PA Bulletin, page 6237)

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(Photo: Example of PA General Energy pipeline stream crossing construction on the Exceptional Value Loyalsock Creek in Lycoming County.  Read more here.)