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July 1, 2002 For Immediate Release
Agency Report: Oil Drilling Impaired Allegheny National Forest Streams Clarion, PA - Today, two citizens challenging a government decision to allow drilling in the Salmon Creek area of the Allegheny National Forest filed legal documents to prevent the oil company from having an expert report thrown out. The report, prepared by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), documents that three high quality watersheds that are supposed to be protected under the Clean Water Act have been impaired by the oil development. Pennsylvania General Energy (PGE) applied for numerous permits to expand their oil development in the Allegheny National Forest last year. Under protest by citizen groups and individuals, the Pennsylvania DEP approved the corporation's Clean Water Act construction permits on November 7, 2001. James Kleissler, Clarion County, and Ryan Talbott, Forest County, both members of the Allegheny Defense Project, filed an appeal in December. Kleissler and Talbott are arguing the case without an attorney. The DEP conducted surveys in the Salmon Creek watershed near Marienville. PGE owns and operates over 600 wells in the tiny watershed, which encompasses several High Quality trout streams. The DEPÕs report identifies that streams impacted by oil and gas developments received lower scores in terms of water quality and total biological conditions than reference streams that had little or no upstream oil and gas development. "This report acknowledges what we have known all along - oil and water don't mix," said Kleissler. "The report shows a direct correlation between this oil development and a reduction in water quality and aquatic habitat conditions." The report specifically points to the road construction associated with the oil and gas development as the main threat to water quality: "Ruts created in the road surface from vehicle tires can channel water and sediment to low points in the topography which are often associated with ditches, streams or swales. In this manner, storm water and sediment can bypass any best management practices that are in place for roads." "PGE clearly does not like the results of this report because it clearly states the fact that their drilling is harmful to these streams," said Talbott. "Documenting these impacts is hardly grounds for throwing out the report, though." Kleissler and Talbott believe a recently constructed pipeline as well as an oil seep are two contributing factors to the decline in water quality of Salmon Creek. "The company constructed a pipeline across Salmon Creek this past winter and it has caused major sediment pollution problems for Salmon Creek." Kleissler explained. The oil seep is entering Salmon Creek from two sources, one from the bank and another from under the stream. "Salmon Creek did not have these problems prior to Pennsylvania General Energy's aggressive expansion of this development," Talbott said. "Before this oil and gas drilling, Salmon Creek was one of the more pristine parts of the national forest." The parties are currently proceeding with the filing of summary judgement briefing. If these filings do not resolve the case, a trial will be held on November 4. Download the Report in pdf format:
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