Recently, our team had the opportunity to review the most recent proposed 6-month mine maps associated with the Rustic Ridge 1 and Expansion Deep Mine. These files were obtained via a File Review Request from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Underground mining continues to reach deep into our community, and you have the right to know where mining is proposed and active!
As of spring 2026, mining is active and proposed in these areas: (see maps)
- Sheet 4: Route 31 near Linda Browns and HiEx Donegal, PA Turnpike, Jones Mills Stahlstown Road
- Sheet 5: Mountain View Road, Whispering Pines Road, Kunkle Lane (prvt), and Route 31 near Family Dollar, Fox Plaza, and Always Boardshop.
- Sheet 8: between Route 711 north, Old Franklin Road, Snyder Road, and Jones Mills Stahlstown Road (south)
- Additionally, LCT entered the expansion area just south of Snyder Road near the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
Mining can damage homes and private water supplies. A free pre‑mining survey makes a “before” record of your home and water, which helps protect your rights and makes it easier to prove and repair any mining damage later.
If you own property in that area, you have the rights to a pre-mining survey!
If you live within the mining area, APEX Engineering may reach out to you regarding pre-mining surveys. If you live in those areas and have not heard from APEX, contact them immediately. The pre-mining survey helps protect your legal rights, as it sets a baseline condition of the structures and private water supplies on your property.
Contact: APEX Engineering (Pre-mining surveys) 814-443-3344 https://apexcos.com
Here are a few tips for a successful pre-mining survey:
● Take records of the survey. Include who conducted the survey, date and time, and details of review. Encourage APEX to be thorough – inspectors should open and inspect windows and doors. Document as much as possible, and keep copies of all records.
● Maintain your records. If an impact or concern comes up that could be from mining, you want your records easily accessible. Keep them with your important documents.
● If you see something, say something. If you feel something has changed on your property, file a complaint. Contact the PA DEP or MWA.
Frequently Asked Questions
- I hear people talking about “pre-mining surveys.” What are they?
Mine operators are required to file plans with DEP every 6 months, describing where their mining will take place. Before each plan is submitted, the mine operator must conduct pre-mining surveys of private water supplies and structures in the area where mining will occur. Before these surveys can take place, the operator must secure survey permission from all affected property owners. The operators initiate the contact with the property owners. The cost of the survey is the mine operator’s responsibility.
- Why should I agree to pre-mining surveys?
If a pre-mining water survey has been done and your private water supply (well or spring) is damaged, the mine operator is required to repair or replace your water and to provide you with an immediate source of water. If you have not allowed pre-mining surveys of the water supply and it becomes damaged, it’s your responsibility to provide data that establishes the condition of your water supply before mining. This can be very difficult, and you will not have an immediate temporary water supply from the mine operator.
If you deny a mine operator access to conduct a pre-mining structure survey, you forfeit your right to repair or compensation if structures on your property are damaged through mining operations.
- Will I get copies of all pre-mining surveys?
Yes. Within 30 days after the surveys are completed, the mine operator must provide you with a complete report that includes everything that was surveyed. This report is also directed to DEP. Retain this report for your records.
- Is there a difference between pre-mining water survey and other water tests that have been done on my well or spring?
Yes. The previous water testing, called background sampling, is not as comprehensive as the pre-mining water survey.
- I am on public water (from Indian Creek Valley Water Authority). Would the mine impact my water?
There is a possibility that the cost of your water may increase. Mine discharges into the water system could make water treatment more expensive, thus raising your water bill. If significant extensions to the system are required to accommodate private water loss because of mining, that could also make water more expensive.
- If my neighbor’s water supply is damaged from mining, will that affect my private water supply (well or spring)?
You could be affected if a new public water line must be installed near your property. Westmoreland County residents are required to pay a tap-in fee and a basic monthly, even if they do not use the public water. These fees are not subsidized by the mining company. This ruling does not apply to those in Fayette County.
What you need to know:
| Task | Whose Responsibility | Action |
| Pre-mining water survey | LCT Energy LP*(mine operator) | Sends letter to homeowner about the survey; Performs survey |
| Property Owner | Agree to/ schedule survey; retain results for your records | |
| Pre-mining structural survey | LCT Energy LP | Sends letter to homeowner about the survey; Performs survey |
| Property Owner | Agree to/ schedule survey; retain results for your records | |
| Pre-blast survey | LCT Energy LP | Sends letter to homeowner offering the survey; Performs survey |
| Property Owner | Request survey; retain results for your records | |
| Local home appraisal | Property Owner | Optional but establishes a basis for any appeals |
Contacts you may find useful:
| Contact | Phone | Website |
| DEP California Mining Office | 724-769-1100 ; 800-922-1678 | http://bit.ly/calDEP |
| Environmental Complaints | 888-723-3721 | http://bit.ly/depcomplaints |
| SW Regional Office–emergency | 412-442-4400 | http://www.dep.pa.gov/ABOUT/REPORTANINCIDENT |
| PA DEP Bureau of Mine Safety | 724-404-3147 | http://bit.ly/DEPsafety |
| LCT Energy LP | 814-410-6187 | https://robindale.energy/lct/ |
| Apex (Pre-mining surveys) | 814-443-3344 | https://apexcos.com |
| Mine Subsidence Insurance | (888) 357-2674 | https://www.depgreenport.state.pa.us/MSI/Home/Index |
| Federal Office of Surface Mining (OSM) | 717-730-6985 | https://www.osmre.gov/ |
| Mountain Watershed Association | 724-769-4200 Ext 9 | www.mtwatershed.com |
| PennDOT District 12 | 724-439-7315 | http://www.penndot.gov/RegionalOffices/district-12 |
| Donegal Twp Supervisors | 724-593-6309 | http://www.donegaltownship.com/ |
| Saltlick Twp Supervisors | 724-455-2866 | http://www.saltlicktownship.org/ |
This information has been developed by the Concerned Citizens with assistance from the Mountain Watershed Association. These sources of information were used:
PA Code 25 Environmental Protection, Chapter 86, 87, & 89 (coal mining)
DEP (PA Department of Environmental Protection) regulations and publications
Responses from DEP’s California District Mining Office
Interview with former DEP district mining manager
LCT’s application for permit to operate Rustic Ridge #1 mine
Indian Creek Water Authority
Fayette County Tax Assessment Office; Westmoreland County Tax Assessment Office
Additional helpful resource from DEP: “A Guide to Water Supply Replacement and Subsidence Repair”