Since January, DEP inspectors observed hillsides slip, erosion barriers fail and sediment getting into streams. Energy Transfer was fined $30 million for an explosion in 2018.
The two Washington County communities where the violations took place can apply to use part of the nearly $200,000 fine toward local parks and pollution reduction efforts.
The industry argued that waste coal isn't high enough quality to meet the pollution standards. Environmental groups say the move is bad for public health.
