Accidents

In mid-August, a spill at Eureka Resources’ Williamsport facility released about 16,000 gallons of oil-based wastewater, with some entering Grafius Run and the West Branch of the Susquehanna River (see ‘Black Goop’ Spills into Susquehanna River from Closed Eureka Plant). The leak, traced to a corroded tank fitting, was discovered by fishermen. In its ongoing investigation, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) detected no radiation at the facility but did find significant permit violations, including improper long-term waste storage, faulty tank alarms, and unauthorized discharges. DEP issued orders requiring immediate containment, waste removal, tank repairs, and proof of proper disposal (see PA DEP Orders Eureka Resources to Remove Waste at Williamsport Plant). Cleanup continues with multiple agencies involved. Read More “PA DEP Keeps a Close Eye on Leaky Eureka Wastewater Facility”

Once upon a time, Eureka Resources operated three shale wastewater recycling facilities in the Marcellus region, one in Bradford County, PA, and two in the Williamsport, PA, area (Lycoming County). One year ago, MDN brought you the news that Eureka had “temporarily” closed the Bradford site and had permanently closed the two sites in Williamsport (see Eureka Temporarily Idles Bradford County Shale Wastewater Plant). In June, MDN reached out to the company for comment on why it had not resumed operation at the Bradford site. We got no response. Now comes word that one of the closed facilities in Williamsport is leaking an “oily substance” that found its way into a storm drain and from there, into the nearby Susquehanna River. A fisherman reported it looked like a “black goop” when reeling in his line. Read More “‘Black Goop’ Spills into Susquehanna River from Closed Eureka Plant”