The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has ordered ExxonMobil Corp. subsidiary XTO Energy Inc. to cease all excavation operations near its Cratty Unit in Butler County, PA. The agency said the company failed to obtain proper authorization before it began work to clear an intersection in the area for truck access to the well pad. DEP said XTO recently informed the agency of the work, but it added that it was too late. The order requires XTO to cease all earth disturbance activities and obtain, within five days, the necessary permits and authorizations to continue its excavation operations.