The public meeting for the proposed Rustic Ridge deep mine in Saltlick Township, Fayette County and Donegal Township, Westmoreland County, has been scheduled for Wednesday, January 28, 1:00-3:00pm, at the Donegal Community Center, 113 Community Center Lane, Donegal, PA 15628.
MWA staff will be available at the community center from 12:00PM – 1:00 PM and 3:00PM – 5:00PM to assist you with questions or in writing comments.
LCT’s proposed Rustic Ridge mine will, if permitted, be approximately 3,000 acres. Areas affected include the villages of Donegal, Jones Mills, Champion, Melcroft and Indian Head. Waterways affected include Champion Creek, Indian Creek and the Youghiogheny River. The permit area includes part of the same area included in the proposed Rand Am mine permit from 1994. This permit was denied by DEP because DEP believed the mine had the potential to create toxic discharges that would impact water quality along the length of Indian Creek and into the Youghiogheny River. Champion Creek is a major tributary to Indian Creek, which in turn is a major tributary to the Youghiogheny River. This project has the potential to impact water quality in Indian Creek and the Yough. Mining, truck traffic, water pollution or the perception of water pollution, and noise detract from our quality of life and the quality of visitors’ experiences. These streams support healthy fisheries. Swimming, paddling, and fishing are common in all three, and as the popularity of the Laurel Highlands grows, mining shouldn’t be part of the picture.
Please consider attending this meeting and voicing your concerns. With mine drainage clean-up underway in Indian Creek and many other Yough River tributaries, we cannot afford to create more toxic mine drainage discharges that would do additional harm.
Learn more or contact Beverly at 724/455-4200 ext. 1# or mwa@mtwatershed.com with questions.