A targeted study of water quality in tributaries in the headwaters of the Allegheny River and on sites on the Allegheny River main stem is nearing completion. A cooperative effort between the Upper Allegheny Watershed Association, Potter County Conservation District, and RedHorse Environmental was initiated last year to develop baseline water quality in an area of deep shale gas development. Grab samples and data loggers were located at 10 locations near Coudersport. Four sites on the Allegheny River, three sites on Mill Creek, and single locations on Reed Run, Baker Creek, and Peet Brook were sampled from October 2015 to September 2016. 

Thirteen different water quality parameters were measured for each grab sample including: specific conductivity, alkalinity, total dissolved solids (TDS), bromide, chloride, sulfate, strontium, aluminum, iron, manganese, magnesium, sodium, and calcium. In general, water quality in the Northern Allegheny River basin is quite good. Dissolved aluminum did not reach detectable levels at any of the sample locations. Dissolved aluminum is highly toxic to fish, especially in the early stages of development.

Of the group of chemicals assessed in the grab samples, strontium and bromide are often associated with deep shale oil and gas production.  Four (4) of the ten sites did not have detectable levels of bromide. The remaining six (6) sites had relatively low bromide levels averaging 0.029 mg/l. Strontium was found at all sites averaging 0.046 mg/l. 

The Northern Allegheny Research Team is planning on collecting two more samples to close out the targeted study of the Allegheny River headwaters. All data will be characterized and analyzed to determine differences between sites and drainages throughout the sampling area. For additional information, please contact Dr. Bruce Dickson at bdickson@redhorseenvironmental.com.