DEP Fines Eureka Resources $100,000 for Wastewater Violations

Contempt of court action filed over failure to comply with cleanup order

Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:52pm

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a polished metal oil drum, a cracked glass beaker, and a stack of official-looking documents, all arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the abstract corporate issues of environmental compliance, regulatory enforcement, and the financial impacts of environmental violations.A visual metaphor for the legal and financial consequences faced by companies that fail to properly manage their environmental impact.Williamsport Today

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has filed a petition with Commonwealth Court to declare Eureka Resources in contempt of court for failing to comply with an August 2025 order to clean up and address waste violations at its oil and gas wastewater treatment facilities in Bradford and Lycoming counties. DEP is also seeking to compel Eureka Resources to comply with the order.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing environmental concerns over the proper handling and disposal of oil and gas wastewater, which can pose risks to public health and the environment if not managed responsibly. The DEP's actions demonstrate its commitment to enforcing regulations and holding companies accountable for violations.

The details

In addition to the contempt of court petition, DEP has issued $100,000 in civil penalties against Eureka Resources. This includes a $60,000 penalty for a spill of 16,000 gallons of wastewater from the company's Second Street facility in Williamsport, and a $40,000 penalty for multiple violations at its Standing Stone facility in Wysox. Eureka Resources has not paid or appealed the recent penalties, and the company continues cleanup work at the Second Street facility while sending material from the Standing Stone facility for reuse by the gas industry.

  • On February 27, 2026, DEP filed a petition with Commonwealth Court to declare Eureka Resources in contempt of court.
  • On March 3, 2026, DEP issued a $60,000 penalty for the August 2025 spill at the Second Street facility.
  • On March 3, 2026, DEP also issued a $40,000 penalty for violations at the Standing Stone facility.
  • The last date for Eureka Resources to appeal the penalty assessments is April 2, 2026.

The players

Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)

The state agency responsible for enforcing environmental regulations and overseeing the cleanup of oil and gas wastewater facilities in Pennsylvania.

Eureka Resources

A company that operated three oil and gas wastewater treatment facilities in Bradford and Lycoming counties, which have all been closed since August 2024 due to various violations.

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What they’re saying

“Eureka has not paid nor appealed the recent assessed civil penalties; the last date to appeal the penalty assessments is April 2, 2026.”

— Megan Lehman, DEP Northcentral Regional Office Communications Manager

“Eureka continues the cleanup work at the Second Street Williamsport facility and continues to send material from the Standing Stone facility for reuse by the gas industry.”

— Megan Lehman, DEP Northcentral Regional Office Communications Manager

What’s next

The judge in the contempt of court case will decide on whether to compel Eureka Resources to comply with the August 2025 cleanup order.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in properly managing oil and gas wastewater, and the importance of strict enforcement to ensure companies are held accountable for environmental violations that can pose risks to public health and the local community.