Help keep toxic coal waste out of our hillsides and valleys. Join Mountain Watershed Association in requesting that DEP host a public hearing for the proposed 131-acre Shaw Refuse Disposal Site. Requests need to be made by October 19th! This …
Jordan Mine Submits Notice of Intent to Explore in Saltlick Township
A Notice of Intent to Explore (NOE) was submitted for the Jordan Mine to the PA Department of Environmental Protection. This notice means that a company has targeted an area in Saltlick Township, Fayette County, PA for investigation to see …
Demand Public Hearing On Permit To Evaporate Toxic Leachate
The Westmoreland Sanitary Landfill, located in Belle Vernon, has applied for a state permit to evaporate leachate (liquid runoff) from the site, putting nearby residents and sanitary workers at risk. If the leachate is evaporated, the air would be contaminated …
DEP Sides with MWA to Protect Coalfield Residents
Last week, in response to our advocacy efforts alongside the Center for Coalfield Justice, the Department of Environmental Protection issued guidance that called on coal operators to protect residents during pre and post-mining surveys in light of the current COVID-19 epidemic. …
24 million gallons withdrawn from Yough for fracking in Elizabeth Twp
The peaceful waters of the Yough near West Newton have had a new look and sound since this summer. A temporary pump has been set up to allow Olympus (previously Huntley & Huntley) to withdrawal water from the Youghiogheny River …
Huntley & Huntley Allowed to Postpone Public Hearing on Fracking Infrastructure in Public Park
Next week’s hearing to determine whether Huntley & Huntley Energy Exploration has illegally used public lands for fracking operations will be postponed until November 4, 2019. The Allegheny County Orphans Court proceeding is being held because Protect Elizabeth Township, …
Welcome Our New Direct Support Fund Committee Members!
Mountain Watershed Association is celebrating the 5 year anniversary of our Direct Support Fund, with big changes in the works! Since 2014, Mountain Watershed Association has been distributing small grants via our Direct Support Fund to support grassroots groups organizing …
Problems Surface at Wells Near Beaver Run Reservoir
There are 8 shale gas well pads surrounding the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County’s Beaver Run Reservoir, which provides water to approximately 130,000 homes. For a breakdown of MAWC’s systems and which communities get water from which reservoirs, you can see …
Elizabeth Twp Approves Controversial Power Plant Proposal – Legal Challenge Follows Immediately
Despite listening to more than three hours of public comment in opposition to the proposal, the Elizabeth Township Commissioners voted 4-3 to pass a controversial ordinance and zoning change that would allow construction of a power plant in a rural and …
Attend the upcoming hearing on proposed industrial zone & power plant along Yough River in Elizabeth Twp
At the hearing, the Commissioners will consider a proposal by Invenergy LLC, who is hoping to build a 550-megawatt gas-fired power plant, known as the Allegheny Energy Center (AEC). The AEC would be constructed next to the Youghiogheny River and the Great Allegheny bike trail, nearby the neighborhood of Smithdale. In order to build their power plant, Invenergy has proposed a zoning change and an ordinance, which would rezone nearly 147 acres from rural residential to light industrial. The proposed ordinance would also list power plants as a ‘permitted use’ in all industrial zones.