The 10th Annual Yough Defense Party was rather memorable. Weather conditions were anything but favorable, yet our community of river lovers showed up to help fund the Youghiogheny Riverkeeper Program at Mountain Watershed Association.
We, at Mountain Watershed Association, are truly grateful for your unwavering support. There are many volunteers and helpers, many who donate to the auction every year, and many of you who will never miss a Yough Defense Party. Thank you so much for your dedication. You can trust that we are fighting to keep your rivers, lakes, and streams clean and the Laurel Highlands beautiful.
The Yough Defense Party is the largest fundraising event we hold. The funding our community contributes helps maintain the Swimmable Waters Program, our watershed patrol efforts, and our Yough River Clean-Ups. Additionally, we are constantly attending zoning hearings, township planning meetings, emergency response and preparedness meetings so we can keep you informed on what is happening in your watershed.
Now is the time when we need help from our community. There are two major projects that we would like you to be aware of. The Revtai Government Financed Construction Project (Revtai) and Invenergyā€™s 550 Megawatt Power Plant (Invenergy).
Revtai
Amerikohl has proposed a new surface mine near Melcroft, PA. More information can be found at our website – Amerikohl’s Revtai Project. There will be an opportunity for the public to learn more and make comments at an upcoming public hearing hosted by the Department of Environmental Protection on Wednesday, December 12th at 1pm at the Saltlick Municipal Building at 147 Municipal Building Road, Melcroft, PA 15462. Anyone who would like to make a public comment at the hearing must register at least one day in advance by contacting DEPā€™s community relations coordinator Lauren Fraley at lfraley@pa.gov or 412-442-4203. Those who did not register will be given the opportunity to testify only if time permits.
Invenergyā€™s Power Plant
Invenergy is currently working on their fourth attempt to construct a 550 megawatt gas-fired power plant in a residentially zoned neighborhood of Elizabeth Township. More information here – Invenergy Power Plant. The proposed power plant will be located directly next to the Great Allegheny Passage Bike Trail. Potential discharges of 100ā„‰ water from the plant will enter the Yough, threatening the aquatic life and ecosystem . Now is the time to consider more sustainable options that compliment the community that exists, not develop more harmful infrastructure that is dependent on fracked gas. December 20 at 5pm at the Elizabeth-Forward Middle School is your chance to voice your opinion about Invenergyā€™s proposed power plant.
Do you want this in your backyard?
Invenergy’s newly constructed gas-fired power plant in Jessup, PA. Constructed this year, the power plant has already violated its air quality permit.
Letā€™s stand together and fight for a clean future. If you enjoy living near or recreating in the Youghiogheny River watershed please come voice your concerns about the proposed mine project and power plant. If you are unable to make the hearings but would like to learn more, please feel free to contact Ashley at Mountain Watershed Association at ashley@mtwatershed.com or 724-455-4200×6#.