Shale Gas & Petrochemicals
Currently, one of the greatest threats to the health of the watersheds and quality of life in the Appalachian region is the development of shale gas and petrochemical infrastructure.
Hazardous Waste
MWA continues to work alongside communities directly affected by the pollution discharge, poor air quality, and health impacts of hazardous waste landfills.
Coal Mining
Over the past 20 years, Mountain Watershed has raised almost $9 million dollars to create mine drainage treatment systems that remove harmful pollutants and have helped to restore the water and hence, quality of life, in our region. Given the success of our existing restoration activities and the tendency for mining in this watershed to produce discharges, any current and proposed coal mining activity is a huge risk for our area.
APPLY TO MWA'S DIRECT SUPPORT FUND!
Currently, one of the greatest threats to the health of the watersheds and quality of life in the Appalachian region is industrial resource extraction, primarily the development of shale gas, coal, and petrochemical infrastructure. The Direct Support Fund provides small grants to grassroots groups and advocates working toward social change on any of these environmental justice issues and more.
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A Year in the Yough
Quality of life in the Laurel Highlands region depends on the Youghiogheny River and tributaries like Indian Creek. Our streams are a source of recreation, tourism, sustainable economic growth, and drinking water. As citizens, it is our duty to protect these resources.
We hold polluters and environmental regulators accountable to ensure protection of our communities and the environment.
Campaign Archive
There are 8 shale gas well pads surrounding the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County’s Beaver Run Reservoir, which provides water to approximately 130,000 homes. For a breakdown of MAWC’s systems and…
Read MoreDespite listening to more than three hours of public comment in opposition to the proposal, the Elizabeth Township Commissioners voted 4-3 to pass a controversial ordinance and zoning change that would…
Read MoreAt the hearing, the Commissioners will consider a proposal by Invenergy LLC, who is hoping to build a 550-megawatt gas-fired power plant, known as the Allegheny Energy Center (AEC). The AEC would be constructed next to the Youghiogheny River and the Great Allegheny bike trail, nearby the neighborhood of Smithdale. In order to build their power plant, Invenergy has proposed a zoning change and an ordinance, which would rezone nearly 147 acres from rural residential to light industrial. The proposed ordinance would also list power plants as a ‘permitted use’ in all industrial zones.
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