10 More Conventional Abandoned Well Violations; Failure To Notify DEP Of Water Contamination; Casing/Cement Failure

PA Oil & Gas Weekly Compliance Dashboard - Jan. 31 to Feb. 6

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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From January 31 to February 6, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Oil and Gas Compliance Database shows oil and gas inspectors filed 783 inspection entries and earlier inspection results that were just posted. The report highlights 10 more conventional abandoned well violations, a failure to notify DEP of a water supply contamination complaint, and a shale gas well casing/cement failure.

Why it matters

This report provides transparency into the ongoing compliance and enforcement actions taken by Pennsylvania's environmental regulators against the oil and gas industry. It highlights issues around abandoned wells, water contamination, and well integrity failures - all of which are important for public safety and environmental protection in communities across the state.

The details

The report details 10 new violations related to conventional abandoned wells across several counties, including failure to properly plug and restore well sites. It also notes a case where the operator CNX Gas Company failed to notify the DEP within 24 hours of a water supply contamination complaint, as required by regulations. Additionally, the report cites a casing/cementing failure at a shale gas well operated by Expand OPER LLC, indicating a loss of well integrity.

  • From January 31 to February 6, DEP's Oil and Gas Compliance Database shows oil and gas inspectors filed 783 inspection entries and earlier inspection results that were just posted.
  • On February 2, the Breathe Project, Three Rivers WaterKeeper and the Clean Air Council alerted residents of Mount Pleasant and Robinson Townships in Washington County about a MarkWest Liberty Midstream & Resources LLC release of over 1.2 million gallons of drilling fluid starting in October 2025.
  • On February 3, the Environmental Hearing Board issued an opinion denying a motion by CNX Gas Company to throw out an appeal by the Ullom family over water loss allegedly caused by fracking at the CNX NV110 shale gas well pad.
  • On February 4, 2026, a compliance evaluation of the Thompson/Bloniarz 1 conventional well in Georges Township, Fayette County, found the plugged well site was not restored within 9 months after its March 7, 2025 plugging.
  • On January 14, 2026, a follow-up inspection of the Lonchena P1 shale gas well in Forward Township, Butler County, found the owner did not completely plug the well by Dec. 31, 2025 as required.

The players

MarkWest Liberty Midstream & Resources LLC

A midstream company that released over 1.2 million gallons of drilling fluid during pipeline construction activities in Washington County.

CNX Gas Company

A natural gas company that failed to notify the DEP within 24 hours of a water supply contamination complaint related to its NV110 shale gas well pad in East Finley Township, Washington County.

Expand OPER LLC

A shale gas operator that had a casing/cementing failure at its Barnes shale pad 4H well in Smithfield Township, Bradford County, indicating a loss of well integrity.

James and Barbara Ullom

Residents who appealed to the Environmental Hearing Board over water loss allegedly caused by fracking at the CNX NV110 shale gas well pad in East Finley Township, Washington County.

Breathe Project, Three Rivers WaterKeeper, and Clean Air Council

Environmental groups that alerted residents of Mount Pleasant and Robinson Townships in Washington County about the MarkWest drilling fluid release.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.