Trans Energy to Restore Streams, Wetlands Damaged by Fracking

From badly underestimated methane emissions and groundwater contamination to triggering earthquakes, the multiple human and environmental health threats posed by horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) of shale deposits to release natural gas and petroleum have been well documented.

Negligence and shoddy practices by oil and gas companies exploring for natural gas and petroleum in tightly-packed shale deposits also threatens ecosystems, human health and safety, and critical natural resources on the surface – including precious freshwater resources.

On Sept. 2, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Justice announced a settlement with Trans Energy that requires the oil and gas company to restore streams and wetlands at 15 sites in West Virginia -- across which it had allegedly discharged dredge or fill material without authorization. In addition to paying a $3 million penalty that is to be divided equally between the EPA and the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP), it's estimated that Trans Energy will spend over $13 million to complete stipulated environmental mitigation and restoration work.

Damaging West Virginia streams and wetlands

According to evidence amassed by the EPA, WVDEP and the public, Trans Energy in 2011 and 2012, “impounded streams and discharged sand, dirt, rocks and other materials into streams and wetlands without a federal permit to construct well pads, impoundments, road crossings and other facilities related to natural gas extraction.” The violations allegedly impacted some 13,000 linear feet of stream and over an acre of wetlands.

In the summer of 2014, Trans Energy conducted an internal audit and ultimately disclosed to EPA alleged violations at another eight locations. The consent decree announced on Sept. 2 covers alleged violations at these locations as well.

The EPA highlights that filling wetlands and damaging streams can have serious consequences for human and environmental health and safety:

“Streams, rivers, and wetlands benefit the environment by reducing flood risks, filtering pollutants, recharging groundwater and drinking water supplies, and providing food and habitat for acquatic species,” EPA states in a news release.

“As part of our commitment to safe development of domestic energy supplies, EPA is working to protect wetlands and local water supplies on which communities depend,” Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator of EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, was quoted as saying. “By enforcing environmental laws, we’re helping to ensure a level playing field for responsible businesses."

Added Sam Hirsch, acting attorney general of the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division:

“Today’s agreement requires that Trans Energy take important steps to comply with state and federal laws that are critical to protecting our nation’s waters, wetlands and streams. We will continue to ensure that the development of our nation’s domestic energy resources, including through the use of hydraulic fracturing techniques, complies with the Clean Water Act and other applicable federal laws.”

Fracking and water resources

Besides having to dump dredge and fill material, companies using fracking to extract oil and gas across the extensive Marcellus Shale are tapping streams and rivers in Pennsylvania and West Virginia heavily.

Thousands of fracking wells are up and running across the Marcellus Shale, an area that extends from northern New York State to the south, west and east into Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Ohio and West Virginia.

On average, fracking wells in Ohio and Pennsylvania use 4.1 to 5.6 million gallons of freshwater, according to a study conducted by researchers at San Jose State University and the consulting company Downstream Strategies. Furthermore, they concluded that 80 percent of fracking rig water in West Virginia comes from surface waterways.

*Images credit: 1) Fracking West Virginia; 2) West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey