Several areas of the Allegheny National Forest in Elk County remain closed to the public due to unsafe conditions caused by hazardous materials and deteriorating structures tied to former oil and gas operations.

The closures, located in Highland Township, involve facilities situated on land used by ARG Resources, Inc., which was previously identified as American Refining Group by a press release from the Allegheny National Forest. The closure order was issued earlier this week by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service.

All members of the public are prohibited from entering areas outlined in official closure maps. The affected sites include the Bear Creek, Chaffee, CO2, Highland, Horton, Lamont, Weaver, and Sulfa Treat facilities, as well as the Lamont Tool House.

According to Alisen Downs, Forest Service Public Affairs Specialist from the Allegheny National Forest, these areas contain oil and gas wells, tanks, buildings and other infrastructure tied to former oil and gas operations.

Although the surrounding land is managed by the Forest Service as part of the Allegheny National Forest, Downs emphasized that the facilities themselves are privately owned and have never been open to public access.

The Forest Service reports that the former operator, ARG Resources, Inc., ceased operations in 2022. The facilities have since gone without maintenance and have significantly deteriorated. In 2023, the company entered receivership and is now doing business as Resources Preservation Inc., with a court-appointed receiver overseeing its remaining assets, including the closed facilities.

Based on current site conditions, there is a potential for releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances. Those conditions meet the threshold for response under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), the federal law governing hazardous substance cleanups.

Under CERCLA authority, the Forest Service is conducting time-critical response actions and completing a preliminary environmental assessment. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is also performing authorized hazardous materials assessment and cleanup work. The Forest Service continues to coordinate with EPA, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and qualified contractors.

CERCLA also requires identification of potentially responsible parties for cleanup costs. The United States and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania have filed claims in the ongoing receivership case related to cleanup expenses, though no final determinations have been made.

Officials say the closure order was issued to protect public health and safety while environmental response actions and legal proceedings continue. The order will remain in effect as long as site conditions warrant.

Warning signs have been posted, and law enforcement officers will conduct regular patrols of the closed areas. Anyone found trespassing could face fines of up to $5,000 for individuals or $10,000 for organizations, as well as possible jail time of up to six months.

The full closure order and maps are available online through the Allegheny National Forest alerts page and at all Forest Service offices. For additional information, the public may contact the Marienville Ranger District office at 814-927-6628.