Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and Independent Experts Determine Natural Gas Development Not Responsible for Crystal Stroud Water Contamination Claim in Granville Summit

After a thorough examination by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), independent experts and Chief Oil & Gas, it has been determined that the barium levels and other substances in the water well at Crystal Stroud’s property in Granville Summit is naturally occurring and not the result of natural gas development.

Chief Oil & Gas is committed to protecting the drinking water of our neighbors and the implementation of best industry practices in its development of natural gas from the Marcellus Shale. We will continue to work hard to keep the trust of our communities and neighbors.

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Supporting documents:

    • For Bradford County the report found that, “Concentrations of barium that exceed the USEPA [Maximum Contaminant Level] of 1mg/L are commonly found in groundwater from wells that penetrate restricted-flow zones.” (Page 36)
    • The results of the 1998 study show that there was barium found in Well 695, located approximately ½ mile from the Stroud property, at the level of 3.9 mg/l. During the testing this spring, Ms. Stroud’s well was found to contain barium levels of 4.7 mg/l. This data shows that barium was present nearby at statistically the same level many years before drilling. (Chart, Page 37)