Oil and Gas Well Activities
Protecting Threatened and Endangered Species
And Species of Special Concern
Frequently Asked Questions
1. As an oil and gas well operator, what are my responsibilities for
protecting threatened and endangered species and species of special
concern?
As an oil and gas well operator, you are responsible for:
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Protecting the environment in which the activity is taking place
Conducting the oil and gas well operation in a manner that protects
threatened and endangered species and its critical habitat.
Using the PNDI Environmental Review Project Planning Tool as a guide
for the identifying the presence of threatened and endangered species and
planning your project.
Using the knowledge gained through PNDI and applying it in the field.
2. What agencies are involved in administrating the laws and programs for
protection and management of threatened and endangered species and other
species of special concern?
In Pennsylvania, four different agencies have the primary responsibility for
administering the program for protection and management of threatened and
endangered species and other species of special concern. The Pennsylvania Fish
and Boat Commission is responsible for fish, reptiles, amphibians, and aquatic
organisms. The Pennsylvania Game Commission is responsible for wild birds
and mammals. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is
responsible for preserving the Commonwealth’s native wild plants, terrestrial
invertebrates, significant natural communities and geologic features. And lastly,
the federal U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is responsible for federally listed,
proposed and candidate species under the Federal Endangered Species Act. Note:
For activities occurring in the Allegheny National Forest the operator also needs
to consult with the United States Forest Service (USFS).
The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) supports and embraces
the protection of special concern species and resources during the implementation
of DEP departmental functions. As directed by law and policy, DEP will ensure
that permit applications and requests for authorizations, received by DEP and
County Conservation District staff (when acting under the authority of DEP), are
coordinated with the Pennsylvania National Heritage Program (PNHP) and
Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory (PNDI). DEP’s “Policy for
Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory (PNDI) Coordination During Permit
Review and Evaluation” (400-0200-001) supports continued PNDI coordination,
thereby facilitating the existence, protection, and recovery of identified special
concern species and resources.
3. What are PNHP and PNDI?
The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) is a partnership between the
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Nature Conservancy,
Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Pennsylvania Game Commission,
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
PNHP conducts inventories and collects data regarding the Commonwealth’s
native biological diversity.
Information is stored in the PNDI integrated data management system consisting
of map, manual, and computer files. This PNDI information system is continually
refined and updated to include recently discovered locations and to describe
environmental changes affecting known sites. The goal is to build, maintain, and
provide accurate and accessible ecological information needed for conservation,
development planning, and natural resource management.
4. How do I access the PNDI Environmental Review and Project Planning
Tool?
The home page for PNHP is http://www.naturalheritage.state.pa.us/
The link for the “PNDI-Project Planning Environmental Review” is in the bottom
left-hand corner of the homepage. The first time you access the site you will need
to create a user name and password. For oil and gas wells, select the appropriate
type of project under the energy category.
5. When should I use the PNDI-Project Planning Environmental Review
tool?
An operator must run PNDI planning tool prior to submitting a well permit
application and include a copy of the PNDI Environmental Review Receipt with
the application. It is recommended that the project review be conducted well in
advanced of submitting the permit application in the event that there is a potential
conflict for the project. This way it can be resolved in a timely manner that will
not hold up the permitting process. A completed PNDI review is valid for one
year from its date of execution. A PNDI project review is also needed for other
types of permits such as encroachment permits or earth disturbance permits.
6. What should I do with the review receipt?
If there are no impacts identified, print, initial and sign a copy of the review
receipt and include a copy with you permit application.
If there are potential impacts identified, follow the directions on the receipt. It
will be necessary to contact the responsible agency to ensure that the proposed
project will not adversely impact a threatened or endangered species or species of
special concern.
7. Where can I find additional information on species of special concern?
Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources
Bureau of Forestry, Ecological Services Section
400 Market St., PO Box 8552
Harrisburg, PA 17105
717-772-0258
fax: 717-772-0271
PA Game Commission
Bureau of Land Management
2001 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797
717-783-8743
fax: 717-787-6957
PA Fish and Boat Commission
Natural Diversity Section
450 Robinson Lane
Bellefonte, PA 16823
814-359-5140
fax 814-359-5175
US Fish and Wildlife Service
Endangered Species Biologist
315 South Allen St., Suite 322
State College, PA 16801
814 - 234 - 4090
no faxes please
United States Forest Service
Allegheny National Forest
PO Box 847
Warren, PA 16365
Phone: (814) 723-5150
FAX: (814) 726-1465