To operate their new, massive gas-fired power plant, Homer City Redevelopment is proposing to discharge 6.84 million gallons per day into Blacklick Creek, a trout stocking fishery. The 4.4-gigawatt power plant is being constructed to power a proposed data center campus.
During times of low-flow, such as during the summer, the proposed wastewater discharge could make up more than 30% of the total flow of Blacklick Creek. The discharge water may contain contaminants such as chlorine, biocides, and scale inhibitors. The proposed permit would allow the discharge to be up to 110 degrees – so hot that the developer will need to install “CAUTION” signs along the creek to warn residents.
Since such a high percentage of the stream would be made up of wastewater discharge from the power plant, it could suffer a higher risk of nutrient enrichment, such as algal blooms, and severe temperature fluctuations that could negatively impact downstream cold-water fish populations.
Previously, the coal power plant was permitted to discharge 4.32 million gallons per day into Two Lick Creek. In the original permit for the coal plant, the total allowed discharge into Two Lick Creek was reduced to 2.74 million gallons per day at a maximum of 85.9 degrees during the summer.
The proposed permit for the new gas plant would allow the operator to discharge 2.5 million more gallons per day than what was permitted for the coal plant, with no flow restrictions during the summer months.
This permit is for the gas-fired power plant only – it does not include any discharge for the proposed data centers. So, the total impact on our water will be even greater than what is currently being proposed.
The wastewater discharge – and associated power plant development – would occur in an Environmental Justice Community already grappling with the historic impacts of industry on our waterways and our health.
Demand that DEP host a public hearing for the proposed wastewater discharge permit, and ask them to hold an informational session to explain the permit to residents before accepting testimony. Let them know that you recreate in and near Blacklick Creek – such as fishing, boating, or walking along the Ghost Town Trail – and the creek’s health is important to you!
Comments and requests for a public hearing should be emailed to RA-EPNPDES_NWRO@pa.gov by August 10th, 2026.