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.
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
On June 27, 2025, the Mountain Watershed Association (MWA) filed a legal appeal challenging the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) approval of a 1,425-acre expansion of the Rustic Ridge…
Read More
On May 14, Fayette County leaders and industry representatives gathered with community members to present their plan to incentivize the construction of data centers in the county. Open house events…
Read More
After MWA discovered significant lead pollution in Blue Hole Creek, there was a huge community reaction. Rightly so – Exceptional Value headwater streams are incredibly important to the watershed as…
Read More