WHY THIS CAMPAIGN MATTERS
We predict that the proposed expansion could significantly dewater the headwaters of the Loyalhanna Watershed by removing water from Loyalhanna and redirecting it to the Indian Creek Watershed. Considering the size of the proposed expansion, MWA believes this would result in the headwaters of the Loyalhanna – specifically Four Mile Run – eventually going dry while Champion Creek of the Indian Creek Watershed would become chronically flooded.
Given the anticipated life of the mine, it is possible that the Four Mile Run headwaters will be reduced to a trickle and Donegal Lake will have dried up long before mining is complete.
Call to Action
Through grassroots organizing, MWA has regularly met with concerned community members and municipalities addressing the growing issues around Rustic Ridge. Considering these concerns and the broader possibility of impacts throughout the Laurel Highlands, we are progressing with a legal appeal to prevent irreparable damage to the area’s groundwater supply, clean air, and quality of life in the greater Youghiogheny, and Loyalhanna Watersheds. Join us in the fight to Defend the Yough.
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY MEETINGS
Meetings are typically held on the last Thursday of the month online via zoom or in person at a local community space. Contact stacey@mtwatershed.com for details.
CAMPAIGN BACKGROUND
We predict that the proposed expansion could significantly dewater the headwaters of the Loyalhanna Watershed by removing water from Loyalhanna and redirecting it to the Indian Creek Watershed. Considering the size of the proposed expansion, MWA believes this would result in the headwaters of the Loyalhanna – specifically Four Mile Run – eventually going dry while Champion Creek of the Indian Creek Watershed would become chronically flooded.
Given the anticipated life of the mine, it is possible that the Four Mile Run headwaters will be reduced to a trickle and Donegal Lake will have dried up long before mining is complete.
Mountain Watershed employs many strategies in the hopes of mitigating and preventing these impacts. One of those strategies is to educate the public on their legal rights, as well as preparing for the possibility of a direct legal challenge to LCT Energy’s proposed expansion. We plan to work with a private law firm that is one of the only in the state that regularly – and successfully – litigates against the mining and fracking industries. While we are confident in their ability to bring forward the best possible case for us, legal challenges are inevitably costly.
CAMPAIGN RESOURCES
- Meetings are typically held on the last Thursday of the month online via zoom or in person at a local community space. Contact stacey@mtwatershed.com for details.
- Overview: Protect Your Water and Property from Pipelines
- Beaver and Washington Accredited PA-DEP Labs & What to Test For
- Decrease Your Risk of Contamination Near Horizontal Directional Drill Sites
News & Updates
In October 2021, LCT Energy, LP (LCT) filed a permit modification to expand its underground mining operations in Fayette and Westmoreland counties, Pennsylvania. If approved, this expansion would add approximately…
On August 28 at 6:00 pm at Saint Raymond of the Mountains Church in Donegal, members of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) California District Mining Office will hear…
On April 11, 2024, Pennsylvania Congressman, Matt Cartwright, introduced two bills in the U.S. House to assuage issues associated with “zombie mines,” coal mines that no longer produce coal, but…