Although well drilling has decreased across Pennsylvania, natural gas production increased in 2020, according to the recently released state Department of Environmental Protection's 2020 Oil and Gas Report.

The amount of gas produced in 2020 continued the annual upward trend in the state's gas wells, according to the DEP report.

Due to that increased volume, Pennsylvania is now the second-largest producer of natural gas.

“DEP will continue to improve systems to better serve the commonwealth and will remain vigilant in regulating the...gas and oil industry,” said Patrick McDonnell, the DEP's secretary.

Other details from the annual report are:

- 1,017 drilling permits were issued; 918 being unconventional and 99 conventional

- 527 new wells were drilled; 476 unconventional and 51 conventional

- DEP conducted 25,883 inspections and found 9,363 violations

- DEP collected $33.3 million in fines and penalties in 2020

Orphaned and abandoned gas wells in Pennsylvania continue to be identified and plugged, many of which predate regulatory oversight of the state's 160-year history of oil and gas development.

DEP estimates there may be as many as 200,000 abandoned oil and gas wells in Pennsylvania, which can leak methane into the air and could contaminate groundwater or surface water.

The average cost to plug one well is $33,000, according to the DEP.

“Finding solutions to plug these will make the commonwealth a healthier place for our current and future residents,” McDonnell said.

According to marcellusgas.org, 1,052 wells have been permitted for 267 sites.

In the county, 664 wells have been drilled or are being developed, the site reports.