DEP Collects Penalty From Rice Drilling For Violations

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced that it has assessed and collected a $147,250 civil penalty from Rice Drilling B LLC for erosion and sedimentation violations that were documented in 2019 and 2020 at Rice’s Mac well site in Whitely Township, Greene County.  On or before January 9, 2019, officials say Rice failed to implement post construction management and erosion and sedimentation best management practices (BMPs) in accordance with its permit for constructing and maintaining the well site. As a result, three slides developed at the well site causing accelerated erosion and soil to go into three separate rain gardens.  They say Rice attempted to make repairs but did not fully remediate the issue nor did it fully implement erosion and sedimentation BMPs, resulting in the development of a fourth slide allowing sediment-laden water and soil to move outside of the permitted area.  As of January 27, 2021, Rice repaired and stabilized the slides and the well site was otherwise in compliance.  Rice has paid a $147,250 civil penalty into the Oil and Gas Program Fund.