Catalyst Energy Fined for Violations in
McKean, Forest, Warren Counties
The Department of Environmental Protection today announced it has fined Catalyst Energy Inc. $185,000 for a number of violations at its non-Marcellus oil and gas well operations in Forest, McKean and Warren counties. In addition to paying a fine and taking corrective actions at their well sites, Catalyst faces restrictions on drilling, hydraulically fracturing or developing new or existing well sites. “Catalyst has paid the penalty and is working under a negotiated timetable to rectify these violations,” DEP Northwest Regional Director Kelly Burch said. “The company must also demonstrate it is in total compliance before drilling or completing more wells.” Catalyst’s drilling activities in an area of Hickory Township, Forest County, contaminated 14 water supplies. Samples showed that the water contained iron, manganese and methane at higher levels than existed prior to drilling. In Pennsylvania, unless operators can prove their drilling activities did not cause the contamination, they a...