ALBRIGHT, W. Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Southwestern Energy Company (NYSE: SWN) today announced the successful completion of the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection’s (WV DEP) Cheat River’s Muddy Creek watershed restoration project. This was made possible by an innovative partnership between Southwestern Energy and the WV DEP.
Muddy Creek was severely impaired from unrelated, third-party acid mine drainage (AMD) from abandoned mines over many years. Although in no way associated with the contamination, Southwestern Energy saw this partnership with the WV DEP as an opportunity to restore Muddy Creek to its natural state, consistent with our commitment to environmental stewardship.
The AMD project treats the contaminated water, which is then returned to the stream, helping restore Muddy Creek to a natural state.
“It’s a great day for the Cheat River watershed,” said SWN President and CEO Bill Way. “Signs of aquatic life are emerging, evidence of improved water quality. We’re proud to be part of this successful and meaningful partnership with the WV DEP. This is part of our demonstrated commitment to being fresh water neutral – meaning we return one gallon of fresh water for every gallon we utilize in our operations. So far, the company has sponsored projects that have returned over 9 billion gallons of fresh water.”
“The work that the WV DEP’s Division of Land Restoration has done, in collaboration with staff from Southwestern Energy, has been truly amazing,” said WV DEP Cabinet Secretary Austin Caperton. “This pioneering watershed approach to AMD treatment has produced spectacular results through public-private partnership.”
“I’ve said for a long time that our natural resources and the beauty of our environment are some of the greatest treasures we have here in West Virginia and that we ought to do everything in our power to make sure they stay that way,” Governor Jim Justice said. “And that’s why I’m so thrilled to see the fantastic work that’s been done by our Department of Environmental Protection, in partnership with Southwestern Energy, to breathe life back into Muddy Creek through this incredible restoration project. All I want is more goodness for West Virginia. And the work that’s been done here is truly good.”
Way concluded, “Environmental stewardship is a key tenet of the company’s business strategy, including steps to conserve water, reduce air emissions and protect the environment. Southwestern Energy has completed 10 water conservation projects in our areas of operation across four states.”
About Southwestern Energy
Southwestern Energy Company is an
independent energy company engaged in natural gas, natural gas liquids
and oil exploration, development, production and marketing. For
additional information, visit our website www.swn.com.
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