Pithole Creek
Targeted Study
WV Water Research Institute
Reason for Study
Elevated levels of parameters associated with oil and gas production (bromide, chloride, sodium) were found during early investigations in 2017.
History
Oil production in the Pithole Creek Watershed began around 1865.
Tanks holding oil in Pithole in 1868.
Photo by: Drake Well Museum
Well Inventory
As of 2018, there were 950 active conventional production wells in the watershed.
The townships within the watershed had long used produced water (brine) for dust control on roads.
Sampling Site
Data was collected by grab samples and continuous data loggers throughout the Pithole Creek Watershed in Venango and Forest counties, Pennsylvania.
Monitoring Data Observations
Pollutants associated with oil and gas production (bromide, chloride, and sodium) were present at the majority of locations.
Results: Conductivity
Median conductivity was 110 μS/cm as compared to the typical Allegheny Plateau healthy value of 25-45 μS/cm.
3RQ Research
Monthly water sampling allows 3RQ to continue to study the impacts of brine on the nearby streams.
3RQ Sample Sites
Northern Allegheny 3RQ Sampling Sites.
