Penn E&R directed emergency response and site remediation efforts following an accidental release of materials including diesel fuel, motor oil, hydrochloric acid and unconventional brine water at a well pad in southwestern Pennsylvania. The release occurred as a result of an equipment fire during hydraulic fracturing operations.
The client immediately reported the spill and contracted Penn E&R to perform delineation of contaminants and supervise the cleanup. Vacuum trucks were utilized to remove free-product, and earthen berms were constructed to prevent released fluids from migrating off the site. Suspect areas were screened for evidence of contaminants using a photoionization detector, a Soil Electrical Conductivity Meter, a pH meter and visual observation to determine the extent of impacted material. The visibly stained materials and areas with elevated conductivity and/or PID measurements were excavated, temporarily staged in containment and ultimately transported for proper disposal at a licensed facility.
Penn E&R prepared an Act 2 report that was submitted to the PADEP Southwest Regional Office to obtain closure of the spill without further investigation or remedial action as well as a relief of liability under Act 2 for brine parameters fuel/lubricating oils and fluids. The report was submitted to the PADEP within 90 days of the spill date and approved by the agency.
PROJECT COMPETION: 2018
