Pennsylvania Natural Gas Company Charged with 100 Criminal Violations

Pennsylvania’s Attorney General, Dave Sunday, has announced significant criminal charges against Seneca Resources, LLC, a prominent natural gas company. The allegations involve over 100 criminal violations related to state environmental laws, including 64 counts under the Solid Waste Management Act and 36 counts under the Clean Streams Law. These charges arise from what officials describe as years of improper waste management practices across multiple counties in Pennsylvania.

The complaints, filed by the Attorney General’s Office, highlight serious concerns about Seneca’s operations in counties such as Lycoming, Tioga, Potter, Clearfield, Elk, McKean, Jefferson, and Cameron. Investigators allege that the company injected wastewater into unconventional gas wells and failed to adhere to orders from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Notably, a rupture at a well in Cameron County allegedly led to the contamination of drinking water in a nearby residence.

Environmental Violations and Human Impact

“Every Pennsylvanian has a constitutional right to pure water, and these cases resulted in violations of those rights,” said Attorney General Sunday. He emphasized the serious consequences of these actions, citing a specific incident where a couple’s home, which they had worked hard to purchase, was subjected to contaminated water. Such outcomes, he asserted, will not be tolerated.

The Attorney General’s Office contends that Seneca continued certain waste disposal practices even after receiving explicit written directives from the DEP to cease operations pending further review. Prosecutors claim that the company’s decision to continue with unapproved flushing procedures in Cameron County exacerbated water contamination by pushing pollutants deeper into the surrounding groundwater.

Legal Proceedings and Presumptions of Innocence

The case will be prosecuted by Rebecca Franz, Chief Deputy Attorney General. It is important to note that all charges against Seneca Resources, LLC, are allegations at this stage, and the company is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Investigators have expressed concern over Seneca’s operations, which they allege have not only violated state laws but have also posed significant risks to public health and the environment. The broader implications of these charges may influence public trust in energy companies operating in the region.

As the legal process unfolds, the scrutiny on Seneca Resources is expected to intensify, highlighting the need for accountability in environmental practices. The commitment to uphold Pennsylvania’s environmental laws remains a priority for the Attorney General’s Office as they pursue justice in this case.