I am currently expecting the arrival of my first child. When people ask, “Are you excited? Are you nervous?,” my answer confirms both. I mean, what expecting parent isn’t nervous? I’m not necessarily worried about the birthing process or caring …
Mountain Watershed Association Presents Stream Sessions Film Series
This summer, Mountain Watershed Association is partnering with Working Films to present the Stream Sessions Film Series that will include four films scheduled for August, September, October, and November. Venues will vary with each film to make each a unique …
Residents Turn Out for Invenergy Public Hearing
On June 8th 2021 the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) hosted a public hearing for the proposed 639MW shale gas-fired power plant, Invenergy’s “Allegheny Energy Center.” The proposal was met with fiery formal comments unanimously opposed to the development. Despite …
The Birds & Blooms of the Indian Creek Gorge
Saturday, May 1, MWA was able to host its yearly Birds and Blooms walk. To our surprise, around 35 individuals were able to attend the hike! Like previous years, this walk was led by Lisa Smith and Josh Lawery. Both …
Swim Season 2021 is upon us!
Life is resurging all throughout the Youghiogheny River watershed! Spring has sprung as evident by the sounds of birds chirping, squirrel frolicking, while plants and trees bloom. That can mean only one thing: The summer season is soon to be …
A Laurel Highlands Springtime in a Changing Climate
Spring has sprung in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania. The ephemeral streams are flowing, the hillsides and valleys are blanketed with native spring wildflowers, and the neo-tropical migratory birds are making their way back to our hardwood forests, their summer …
Resident Loses Water After Mariner East, Gets No Help From DEP
Large shale gas pipelines like Mariner East tend to skirt densely-populated urban centers, instead snaking through rural areas to avoid large numbers of people. This strategy makes sense from a PR perspective, but the impacts are no less real for …
Invenergy Power Plant Air Permit Released — Make Comments!
The comment period for the draft air permit for Invenergy’s proposed shale-gas fired power plant, also called the Allegheny Energy Center, is now open. The Chicago-based private company, Invenergy, has been attempting to construct the 639-megawatt gas-fired power plant in …
What is your favorite type of river trash?
Spring is here and river cleanup season is upon us. Many communities are hosting cleanups throughout southwestern Pennsylvania. Connellsville has an annual citywide cleanup coming up. Dunbar Township has made great improvements to country roads known to be historical dumping sites. MWA …
Do You Live Near a Fracking Waste Site And Have Something To Say About It?
On March 20, 2021, the Department of Environmental Protection released 49 residual waste permits, which are now up for public comment. These permits are for facilities that store and process waste from the shale gas industry, known as “residual” waste, …