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DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION I
- RTHCENTRAL OIL AND GAS DISTRICT OFFICE

1/5/2012

 

CERTIFIED MAIL NO. 7009 3410 0000 3618 2668

Re: Act 223, Section 208 Determination

Leroy Township, Bradford County

Dear

The Department has investigated the possible degradation of your water supply well located at
3ranville Summit, PA, in response to a 8/23/2011 complaint that recent gas
.well drilling activities may have affected your water well. On 8/25/201 1, 10/6/2011, and
1 1/8/20] 1, the Department collected samples from" your water supply. The samples were.
submitted to the Department?s laboratory in Harrisburg for analysis. The analytical reports for
those samples were previously submitted to you and an addiu'onal c0py of the most'recent results,
as well as documents that will assist you with interpreting the sample results, are included in this
letter. The most recent sample results showed methane was present at 14 mg/l in your water
supply. The Department?s investigan'on does not indicate that gas well drilling has impacted .
your water supply. 

Methane is the predominant component of natural gas. Federal water standard limitations have
not been established for methane gas. The level of concern begins above 28 mg/l methane,
which is referred to as the saturation level. At this level, under normal atmospheric pressure, the
water. cannot hold addiu'onal methane in solution. This may allow the gas to come out of the
water and concentrate in the air space of your home or building. There is a physical danger of
fire or explosion due to the migration of natural gas into water wells 0r through soils into
dwellings where it could be ignited by sources that are present in most homes/buildings. Natural
gas can also cause a threat of although this is extremely rare.

When the Department is made aware of methane. levels greater than 7 mg/l, we notify the water
supply owner of the.hazards associated with methane in their water supply. Please be aware
however, that the methane levels can ?uctuate. This means that even with a relatively loWi?evel

of methane, you should be vigilant of changes in your water that could indicate an increase in

methane concentration;

It is the Department?s recommendation that all water wells should be equipped with a working

"vent. This will help alleviate the possibility of concentrating these gases in areas where ignition

208 West Third-Streettj?suite 101 Williamsport, PA 17701-6448

am 277 amp; I Fm! cm 277 was ?We? ?mm? - wiwwneowebst?a?teba'ius

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 1/5/2012.

would pose a threat to life or property. Please note that it is not possible to completely eliminate
the hazards of having natural gas in your water supply by simply venting your well.

The Department is Centinuing to work to permanently resolve this issue. Should you have any
- questions concerning this matter, please feel free to contact
William J. Kosmer, P.G. at 5 70-974-26113.

Sincerely, ii:

      

 

.- . 
Environmental Program Manager
Oil and Gas Management

Enclosures:
Laboratory Analytical Results
?How to Interpret A Water Analysis Report?

Cc:

Jennifer Means -
John Ryder I . - . i
William J. Kosmer, P.G. -   
Jeremy Daniel -
Brendo Logan 
Complaint File 282617