DEP fines Olympus Energy $175,000 for Marcellus Shale site violation

The state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) collected a $175,000 fine from Olympus Energy for environmental issues at its Marcellus well site in Elizabeth Township, Allegheny County.

The fine was for erosion and sedimentation violations in 2019 when Olympus was developing its Plutus well pad and Ceto tank pad in Elizabeth Township. DEP provided details in a press release issued Tuesday.

Olympus has already paid the $175,000 civil penalty to DEP’s Oil and Gas Program Fund.

“Olympus prioritizes the well being of the environment and communities where we operate above all else, making compliance with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations critical factors for our projects,” said Kim Price, Olympus spokeswoman.

Improper site practices caused sediment-laden water to mix with past erosion and enter an unnamed tributary to the Youghiogheny River, according to DEP.

During the construction of the Elizabeth site in 2019, some areas were not temporarily stabilized, DEP said. This caused “accelerated erosion” with water carrying sediment beyond the permit boundaries.

There was no danger to the public or the environment, Price said. “Impacts from accelerated erosion were minimal and temporary,” she said. “Olympus takes its record of compliance very seriously,” Price said, adding that the issues have been resolved.

The DEP verified that environmental issues were corrected.

The agency didn’t see any impact to aquatic life or the waterways other “than minor amounts of sediment in an unnamed tributary,” said Lauren Fraley, DEP spokeswoman.