DEP: Frontier Natural Resources Failed To Restore Water Impoundments At 3 Shale Gas Sites In Clinton County

Violations issued in 2017 remain unresolved, with impoundments and well pads still not restored after 3,197 days

Apr. 18, 2026 at 9:40pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A close-up photograph of a highly polished metal valve or sensor component, dramatically lit to cast deep shadows on a clean, monochromatic background, symbolizing the abstract corporate and regulatory issues surrounding the failure to restore shale gas sites.A stark visual metaphor for the unresolved environmental violations at Frontier Natural Resources' shale gas sites in Pennsylvania.Wellsboro Today

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) found that Frontier Natural Resources failed to restore five water impoundments at three shale gas drilling sites in Clinton County, with violations dating back to 2017 still unresolved. The company has not addressed the restoration of the impoundments or well sites, despite DEP issuing the original violations over 3,197 days ago.

Why it matters

The failure to restore the impoundments and well pads raises concerns about Frontier Natural Resources' compliance with environmental regulations and the potential long-term impacts on the local community and environment. Unrestored sites can lead to ongoing issues like erosion, water pollution, and public safety risks.

The details

DEP inspections on April 15 and 16, 2026 found that Frontier Natural Resources had not restored the Winner 2 pad with three impoundments, the Winner 4H pad with one impoundment, and the Winner 6 pad with one impoundment, all located in East and West Keating Townships, Clinton County. The original violations were issued on July 14, 2017. The inspection of the Winner 2 pad also found multiple seeps along the access road with high iron content, which DEP recommended addressing to prevent further erosion.

  • The original violations were issued on July 14, 2017.
  • DEP conducted follow-up inspections on April 15 and 16, 2026, finding the issues still unresolved.

The players

Frontier Natural Resources

The shale gas company that owns the three well pads and impoundments in Clinton County that have not been restored despite violations issued in 2017.

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)

The state agency responsible for regulating and inspecting oil and gas operations, which issued the original violations to Frontier Natural Resources and conducted the follow-up inspections.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“our intent is to come into compliance and meet all regulations.”

— Frontier Natural Resources

What’s next

DEP did not request any specific response from Frontier Natural Resources in the most recent inspection reports, but the company will need to address the restoration of the impoundments and well sites to come into compliance.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of oil and gas companies adhering to environmental regulations and restoring sites in a timely manner. The prolonged lack of restoration by Frontier Natural Resources raises concerns about potential long-term impacts on the local community and environment.