EQT Corporation learned today that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled
in EQT’s favor in its dispute with the Pennsylvania Department of
Environmental Protection (PADEP) regarding the Department’s
interpretation of the Clean Streams law. This decision allows the
Company’s case against the PADEP to proceed in the Commonwealth Court
and rejects PADEP’s preliminary objections to the Company’s complaint.
The ongoing legal proceedings relate to a 2012 impoundment leak in Tioga
County, caused by a third-party contractor conducting PADEP-approved
water treatment. EQT immediately began a formal remediation process and
subsequent sampling confirms the site meets statewide, health-based,
soil clean-up standards. Additionally, a third-party consultant has
concluded that a nearby High Quality stream is biologically healthy and
sustaining a wild trout population.
In September 2014, in response to exorbitant penalty demands from PADEP,
EQT Production filed an action for a declaratory judgment in
Commonwealth Court challenging the PADEP’s interpretation of the Clean
Streams Law. The Commonwealth Court granted PADEP’s preliminary
objections to the Complaint and EQT appealed that holding to the
Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
“We are pleased that the Supreme Court has recognized that our
declaratory judgment complaint was properly before the Commonwealth
Court,” said Lewis B. Gardner, EQT General Counsel and Vice President,
External Affairs. “We look forward to a hearing before the Commonwealth
Court on the PADEP’s erroneous legal interpretation of the Clean Streams
Law.”
About EQT Corporation:
EQT Corporation is an integrated energy company with emphasis on
Appalachian area natural gas production, gathering, and transmission.
With more than 125 years of experience, EQT continues to be a leader in
the use of advanced horizontal drilling technology – designed to
minimize the potential impact of drilling-related activities and reduce
the overall environmental footprint. Through safe and responsible
operations, the Company is committed to meeting the country’s growing
demand for clean-burning energy, while continuing to provide a rewarding
workplace and enrich the communities where its employees live and work.
EQT also owns a 90% limited partner interest in EQT GP Holdings, LP. EQT
GP Holdings, LP owns the general partner interest, all of the incentive
distribution rights, and a portion of the limited partner interests in
EQT Midstream Partners, LP.
Visit EQT Corporation at www.EQT.com.
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Copyright Business Wire 2015
Source: Business Wire
(December 29, 2015 - 4:05 PM EST)
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