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Crypto mining revives old Pennsylvania gas wells

Crypto mining revives old Pennsylvania gas wells

A bitcoin mining operation has started on old gas wells in Pennsylvania, raising concerns over air pollution and regulatory gaps.

Audrey Carleton reports for Capital & Main.

In short:

  • Diversified Production LLC began bitcoin mining on old fracking wells without state permits, leading to regulatory violations.
  • The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) later approved the operation despite initial violations.
  • Local communities and environmental advocates express concern over increased noise, air pollution, and inadequate regulatory oversight.

Key quote:

“We have invested tens of thousands of dollars in habitat work on that game lands. Now, it’s really disturbing to use that whole back section… not to mention the greenhouse gas emissions.”

— Holly May, natural resources professional

Why this matters:

Bitcoin mining on low-producing wells could significantly increase greenhouse gas emissions and environmental damage. The lack of stringent regulatory oversight may encourage similar operations, potentially escalating pollution and local disturbances.

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fracking wastewater disposal well

A rural Pennsylvania community goes to Commonwealth Court, trying to stop a new disposal well for toxic fracking wastewater

The facility, in Plum Borough outside Pittsburgh, would be the state’s 15th “injection” well. Pennsylvania’s gas industry has never had a comprehensive plan for disposing of vast quantities of highly polluting produced water.

crypto mining northwest pittsburgh

Crypto mining at gas wells sparks regulatory headaches, outcry in Northwestern Pennsylvania

Before obtaining the required permits, Diversified Energy began installing cryptocurrency mining infrastructure on one of its thousands of well pads.
coal-bed methane gas development depleting aquifers
Wyoming State Geological Survey

Study: Up to 144 years for aquifers to recover from methane gas development

Coal-bed methane gas wells pumped 1 million acre-feet of groundwater since 2001, and it may take nearly 150 years for some aquifers to recover, state geologic study concludes.
Pennsylvania Senate Democrats push for greater accountability from natural gas industry

Pennsylvania Senate Democrats push for greater accountability from natural gas industry

The bills come nearly a year after a statewide investigative grand jury found that state regulators failed to protect the public from the health impacts of fracking.
EPA expected to undo methane leak rule for oil, gas industry
www.wesa.fm

EPA expected to undo methane leak rule for oil, gas industry

President Donald Trump's administration is expected to formalize the changes Thursday in the heart of the nation's most prolific natural gas reservoir and in the premier presidential battleground state of Pennsylvania.

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