Williamsport, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will host a virtual public hearing on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, beginning at 4:00 PM to accept public comments as part of its permit review for the Saluda Access Road and Staging Area Project proposed by Pennsylvania General Energy Co., LLC (PGE) in Cascade and Gamble Townships, Lycoming County.
DEP’s Oil and Gas Program is currently reviewing PGE’s permit applications, including an Erosion and Sediment Control General Permit-4 (ESCGP-4) and a Joint Application for PA Chapter 105 Water Obstruction and Encroachment Permit and USACOE Section 404 Permit (JPA).
The proposed project would include the construction of a 3.9-mile-long permanent access road to facilitate access to existing and future well pads and a staging area to store equipment and materials for the construction of future well pads. The staging area would later be used as a well pad. The project would include the construction of 20 permanent stream crossings, 19 temporary stream crossings, 8 permanent wetland crossings, and 10 temporary wetland crossings. The proposed limit of disturbance is approximately 40 acres.
Individuals who wish to offer oral testimony during the virtual public hearing must contact Megan Lehman at meglehman@pa.gov or 570-327-3659 no later than noon on Monday, February 2, 2026, to register. Testimony is limited to 3 minutes per witness and will be recorded by a stenographer. Video demonstrations and screen sharing by witnesses is not permitted. Time may not be shared or relinquished to others.
Individuals simply wishing to attend the virtual public hearing but not testify do not need to register in advance. Access information for the virtual public hearing will be available through the Public Participation tab on DEP’s website at www.dep.pa.gov (select “Public Participation” and “Calendar of Events”) or by contacting Megan Lehman.
Written comments concerning the pipeline project will also be accepted until 4:00 PM on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, and should be sent via email to RA-EPEASTERNOGPRG@pa.gov or via mail to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Eastern Oil and Gas District Office, 208 West Third Street Suite 101, Williamsport, PA 17701. All comments, whether delivered orally during the virtual hearing or submitted in writing, will carry equal weight and consideration with DEP.
Permit application materials will be available for public review on the DEP Northcentral Regional Office Community Information Webpage at the bottom of the page, below the “Community Information” section.
Persons with a disability who wish to testify and require an auxiliary aid, service, or other accommodation should contact Megan Lehman to discuss how the Department can meet their needs. Dial 711 to access Pennsylvania Relay services.