BY BRENDAN GIBBONS
Times-Shamrock Writer

After three years of measurements, the Susquehanna River Basin Commission measured no significant changes to surface water quality within its territory.

The commission manages surface and groundwater for most of Northeast and central Pennsylvania, fully covering the northeast counties with heavy gas activity.

Commission staff used a network of 59 remote monitoring stations throughout the watershed from 2010 to 2013. They tested for pH, dissolved oxygen and particles in water. They also sampled aquatic insects at each station once per year.

The water chemistry at most stations indicated good water quality, with few exceptions. Aquatic insects were not affected by the density of upstream gas wells or pads.

The commission will continue using the remote sensor to measure any changes in long–term water quality.