Penn. Slaps Record $4.5 Million Fine on Leaking Fracking Waste Pit

"Pennsylvania environmental regulators are pursuing a record $4.5 million fine against a gas driller over what they describe as a major case of pollution from a leaking waste pit.

The Department of Environmental Protection filed a civil complaint against EQT Corp. on Tuesday, accusing the Pittsburgh-based company of polluting streams and groundwater and harming trees and other vegetation around its impoundment in Duncan Township, Tioga County.

The company has been uncooperative during the investigation and "fails to recognize the ongoing environmental harm" from its impoundment, Acting DEP Secretary Dana Aunkst said in a statement."

Michael Rubinkam reports for the Associated Press October 7, 2014.

SEE ALSO:

"Open Pits Offer Cheap Disposal for Fracking Sludge, but Health Worries Mount" (InsideClimate News)

"In Fracking's Wake: Vast Open Pits of Chemical Sludge - MULTIMEDIA" (InsideClimate News)

"Fracking the Eagle Ford Shale: Big Oil & Bad Air on the Texas Prairie" (InsideClimate News)

"GRAPHIC - Fracking's Waste Pit Emissions: The Big Unknown" (InsideClimate News)

Source: AP, 10/08/2014