Barge-like vessel in Susquehanna River to perform geotechnical investigations for a future utility line

Numerous concerns shared with the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association (MSRKA) concerning an unknown barge-like structure in the West Branch of the Susquehanna River near Williamsport (between Arch and Maynard streets) led to feelers to various agencies in the region. 

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) authorized a permit for geotechnical investigation on April 27, for a future utility line that will cross under the river, according to agency spokesperson Megan Lehman.

"The permittee is the Williamsport Municipal Water Authority, and the project is a water line," she relayed in a recent email to the MSRKA. "The small barge seen in the photographs carries a small drilling rig to perform the permitted geotechnical investigations." 

Because the utility line will be placed via underground directional bore, she added, it is necessary for the permittee to learn what is under the river in the drilling location.