Skip to agency navigation
Skip to main content

Official website

of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

    The .gov means it's official.

    Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you're on an official state website. 
    Office of Oil and Gas Management

    Public Resources

    Geologic Hazard Avoidance or Minimization Planning Guidance

    Geologic Hazard Avoidance or Minimization Planning Guidance for Erosion and Sediment Control (E&S) Permit for Earth Disturbance Associated with Oil and Gas Exploration, Production, Processing or Treatment Operations, or Transmission Facilities
    (8000-BK-DEP6074)

    Applicants proposing to conduct earth disturbance activities under an erosion and sediment control permit (E&S Permit) must perform environmental due diligence including, but not limited to, evaluation and identification of potentially hazardous naturally occurring geologic formations or soil conditions that could potentially cause or contribute to pollution during and/or after earth disturbance activities. Minimizing or avoiding geologic hazards requires planning and implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs) in accordance with 25 Pa. Code Chapter 102. DEP developed the booklet to provide guidance for conducting evaluations to identify geologic formations and soil conditions that have the potential to cause pollution. The booklet also provides avoidance or minimization measures to limit any potential pollution resulting from earth disturbance activities. Applicants requesting an E&S permit for oil and gas activities can utilize this booklet to understand the expectations of DEP to satisfy the requirements of 25 Pa. Code §§ 102.4(b)(5)(xii) and 102.8(f)(12).

    This booklet may not include all potential hazards at a project site; therefore, applicants are encouraged to account for all possibilities and prepare avoidance or minimization measures based on thorough research and investigations, sound engineering judgement and good environmental practices. This booklet can be accessed from DEP’s eLibrary by clicking here.

    ESCGP-4

    Erosion and Sediment Control General Permit for Earth Disturbance Associated with Oil and Gas Exploration, Production, Processing, or Treatment Operations or Transmission Facilities (ESCGP-4)

    On October 5, 2024, the Department published notice of availability of the ESCGP-4 in the PA Bulletin. Final versions of the ESCGP-4 and associated documents are now available at the links below:

    Any questions concerning these documents should be directed to Joe Kelly at josephkel@pa.gov or (717) 783-9893.

    Conservation Law Public Hearing

    For more information, go to the Conservation Law webpage.

    Oil and Gas Surface Regulations

    Go to the Oil and Gas Surface Regulations webpage for more information including a summary of the regulation and supporting documents.

    Online Services

    • eFacts DEP's data information system. The public can search for individual permits (authorizations), operators (clients), wells (facilities), inspections, and by Program (OG).
    • eNotice is a service that will send you an email of each application on request.
    • eMapPA will also show you where the well is located in the Department's Geographic Information System (GIS).
    • Oil and Gas Mapping Application This interactive application shows a wide variety of Oil and Gas information, including locational data, permitting documents, inspections and compliance information regarding Oil and Gas wells.
    • Historical Oil and Gas Development in Allegheny County This story map overlays a historical oil and gas legacy development map (1930-1960s) over Allegheny County along with the Department of Environmental Protection's known well inventory.

    Fact Sheets

    • Injection Wells for Disposal and Enhanced Recovery (PDF) temporarily unavailable
    • Landowners and Oil and Gas Leases in Pennsylvania (PDF) temporarily unavailable
    • Methane Gas and Your Water Well (PDF) temporarily unavailable
    • Natural Gas Wells Owned and Operated by Homeowners (PDF) temporarily unavailable
    • Orphan Oil and Gas Wells And The Orphan Well Plugging Fund (PDF) temporarily unavailable
    • PA-DEP Recommended Basic Oil & Gas Pre-Drill Parameters (PDF) temporarily unavailable
    • Underground Gas Storage Fields in Pennsylvania (PDF) temporarily unavailable

    The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is not involved in regulating lease agreements between mineral property owners and producers. Lease agreements are contractual matters between private parties. DEP does not audit payments, read or calibrate meters or tanks, or otherwise get involved in lease matters.