CAMBRIA COUNTY, Pa (WJAC) — The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has issued a $1.1 million fine against Equitrans gas company for violations related to the 2022 gas leak at their storage facility in Cambria County.
In early November of 2022, many residents in Jackson Township heard what sounded like a large jet engine nearby.
Officials say that sound was determined to be the venting of natural gas at the Rager Mountain storage site owned and operated by Equitrans Midstream.
Over a near two-week period, authorities say approximately 1.037 billion cubic feet of natural gas was released into the atmosphere, making it one of the largest gas leaks in the world.
Officials say the leak was eventually repaired and was determined to have been caused by corrosion.
DEP officials say an investigation into the leak revealed "numerous violations" at the storage site and lead to multiple orders for Equitrans to correct said violations.
Since November 2022, DEP has been working around the clock to keep Pennsylvanians safe and hold Equitrans accountable for the uncontrolled release of natural gas at Rager Mountain. DEP responded immediately to this incident, from oil and gas staff and emergency responders to air quality inspectors and geologists reviewing cleanup and remediation plans,” said DEP Interim Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley. “The Department is committed to holding operators accountable, and we will continue monitoring the environmental impacts of this incident to ensure Pennsylvanians’ health and safety.Authorities say Equitrans has complied with the orders and the DEP is continuing to work to monitor the Rager Mountain site and the environmental impacts of the leak.
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