The ETC Northeast Pipeline, LLC, Revolution Pipeline Project is an approximately 40.5 mile, 24-inch diameter pipeline carrying natural gas between two processing facilities and traversing Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, and Washington Counties.
Below is permit-related information on the Revolution Pipeline. The material is presented here to enable the public to readily review the material. Additional materials will be added to the site as the Department continues with the case. Persons wishing to schedule a file review for this project should contact Dan Counahan, at DEP's Southwest Oil and Gas District Office, located at 400 Waterfront Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, dcounahan@pa.gov, or by telephone at 412-442-4000.
For those unfamiliar with DEP's regulatory jurisdiction, DEP has the authority to review and make decisions on permit applications pursuant to environmental regulations such as:
Chapter 102, Erosion and Sediment Control which regulates erosion and sedimentation resulting from earthmoving activities and the stability of projects. A pipeline project that exceeds five acres of total earth disturbance must obtain an Erosion Control Permit with plans and practices to control stormwater runoff both during and following earthmoving activities;
Chapter 105, Dam Safety and Waterway Management which regulates water obstructions and encroachments focused on activities located in, along, or across wetlands, lakes, streams and floodways;
Pipeline projects may also involve other permit applications including DEP's Clean Water (NPDES Permitting for Discharges from Hydrostatic Testing), Air Quality (Air Quality Permitting), Solid Waste Management, Oil and Gas Management, and Bureau of Mining Programs. DEP may also coordinate the review of these permit applications with other resource agencies such as County Conservation Districts, the PA Fish and Boat Commission, the PA Game Commission, the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the PA Department of Agriculture, the PA Historical and Museum Commission, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the River Basin Commissions.
DEP's permitting authority does not cover the determination of the overall pipeline route or property rights. Other agencies also have jurisdiction over pipelines, such as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC).
Revolution Pipeline Project Overview Information Sheet
This information sheet (PDF) provides a summary of the project.
Compliance and Enforcement Information
On February 26, 2021, DEP entered into a Consent Order and Agreement with ETC to address concerns about construction on steep slopes and to address permanent stabilization of areas where the pipeline was installed. The COA also included a $125,000 civil penalty.
On May 14, 2019, an Order was issued to ETC Northeast Pipeline LLC (ETC) to identify and restore or mitigate all streams and wetlands that it illegally eliminated or altered during the construction of the Revolution Pipeline.
In response to the explosion that occurred on September 10, 2018 in Center Township, Beaver County, DEP's Oil and Gas Program took over primacy of the inspections and review for further approvals for this project. DEP's investigation began immediately after the explosion.
On October 29, 2018, a Compliance Order was issued to ETC based on the ongoing investigation.
The Compliance Order directed ETC to cease all earth disturbance activities other than those necessary to repair and maintain existing erosion and sediment control best management practices, immediately cease all sediment laden discharges to waters of the Commonwealth and prepare submittals for DEP review. Continued oversight of this project has resulted in additional Notices of Violations to ETC.
On November 19, 2018, ETC submitted 41 non-compliance notifications as part of the October 29, 2018, Compliance Order.
On February 25, 2019, ETC submitted plans in response to DEP's October 29, 2018, Compliance Order. Additional plans are forthcoming. Permit amendments to the existing Erosion and Sediment Control Permit will be required. Amendments to affected Water Obstruction and Encroachment Permits issued for this project may also be required. This will be determined as the Department continues its investigation of the entire project.
Inspection Reports and Notices of Violation:
A list of inspection reports, violations notices and inspection details can be found on the Department's eFACTS website at the following link.