Publications, Studies and
Technical Documents

Marcellus Shale

Several thousand wells are predicted to be drilled in the marcellus shale in Pennsylvania over the next few years. Many citizens do not realize the importance of protecting their drinking water source until they experience contamination.

We have sponsored five workshops on natural gas extraction to date. These meetings are designed to help private citizens protect themselves if gas extraction is occuring near them or on their properties. At our most recent workshop we distributed a toolkit of information to attendees, and the documents included in that toolkit can be found by clicking the links below:

DEP Oil/Gas Staff and Inspectors
Certified water testing labs, southwest Pennsylvania
Landowner's Toolkit

In addition, our Marcellus Citizen Stewardship Project is currently conducing visual assessment trainings and water monitoring trainings throughout southwestern Pennslyvania. These trainings instruct citizens in visual assessment and water monitoring techniques that are useful in identifying pollution from Marcellus shale wells. Below are links to our Visual Assessment Manual and an archived webinar containing our Visual Assessment Training.

Visual Assessment Manual
Visual Assessment Training Webinar

Challenges to Stream Redesignation Attempts

South Fork Ten Mile Creek, Greene County

Along with Center for Coalfield Justice and PennFuture, MWA has released two studies commissioned to examine Foundation Coal L.P.'s proposed redesignation of streams in the South Fork Tenmile Creek watershed (Greene County) from high-quality warm water fishes (HQ-WWF) to warm water fishes (WWF). The studies, performed by Dr. Ben Stout and Schmid & Company, showed that not only are the streams worthy of their HQ-WWF designation, but several parts of the watershed are actually exceeding that designation and attaining the higher designation of Exceptional Value (EV). Be sure to also read our joint press release, issued on 22 July 2009.

Review of a Petition to Redesignate Tributaries to South Fork Tenmile Creek From HQ-WWF to WWF by Schmid & Company

Stream Conditions in South Fork Tenmile Creek Watershed, Greene County, Pennsylvania by Dr. Ben Stout

Grinnage Run, Greene County

Grinnage Run Redesignation Report (created in conjunction with Center for Coalfield Justice and PennFuture)

Indian Creek Bike/Hike Trail

Trail and Amenities Map

The trail and amenities map was produced with the generous support of Somerset Trust Company, and is available for download in .pdf format as well as throughout the communities along the trail.

Also, please visit the ICV Trail website for conditions, maintenance and construction activities, and volunteer opportunities!

Trail Feasibility Study

MWA recently conducted a study examining the feasibilty of extending the Indian Creek Valley Hike-Bike Trail beyond its current location between Champion and Indian Head. The study is available in 5 .pdf documents which are linked below. *Please note that this is still a draft.

Draft Trail Feasibility Study
Feasibility Study Maps
Appendix A: Public Involvement
Appendix B: Reconnaissance Data Sheets
Appendix C: Photographs

Title Searching Guidance

It's been estimated that less than 30% of Pennsylvanians own the mineral estate beneath their land. This guide will provide you with an overview of surface and mineral estates, along with a guide to performing a deed search on your property to determine who else has a stake in your land.

A Citizen’s Guide to Title Searches: Who Else Has an Ownership Interest in Your Land?

Indian Creek

Rivers Conservation Plan (this link will direct you to the River Registry on the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website)

Coal Mining & Coal Use

Mining Brochures:
General Strip Mining Brochure
What Happened to My Water?
Ten Steps for Blasting Back
How to Document Blasting Damages

Source Water Protection Brochure

So You Want to Lease Your Coal?

The True Cost of Coal Booklet (warning: this is a large file)

What You Should Know about Coal Combustion Waste Brochure

Coalbed Methane Extraction

Surface Owners Rights and Responsibilities Fact Sheet

MWA Territory Newsletter

Archived Editions of Quarterly Print Newsletter