MWA's appeal raises significant concerns regarding potential impacts on groundwater supplies, acid mine drainage pollution, and possible damage to local streams and wildlife.
The appeal was filed with the Environmental Hearing Board-- EHB Docket # 2025076.
The Laurel Highlands attracts millions of visitors annually for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. The region generates significant economic benefits from ecosystem services, such as clean water and recreational activities, which could be impacted by environmental changes.
“Our community deserves thorough protection and transparency from DEP,” stated MWA attorney Sarah Thomas. “We have serious concerns that the approved mine expansion could negatively impact the area’s homes, water, and environment. We intend to ensure these concerns are adequately addressed.”
Residents near the existing Rustic Ridge mine have reported issues such as: reduced well water availability, property damage potentially related to subsidence, and concerns about water quality.
A hydrogeological report commissioned by MWA suggests there is a high likelihood of reduced stream flow and increased risk of acid mine drainage in the expansion area.
Critical concerns raised in the appeal include:
-- Potential Water Depletion & Flow Alterations: Concerns exist that mining activities could change underground water movement, potentially affecting groundwater flow to local streams and water supplies.
-- Concerns Regarding Pollution Control Measures: MWA raises questions about the sufficiency of storage pond capacity and plans for sludge removal to effectively manage potential water pollution.
-- Risks of Acid Mine Drainage (AMD): Historical evidence indicates the coal seam could generate acid mine drainage, which has significant environmental implications that DEP may not have fully considered.
-- Constitutional Considerations: DEP’s approval may raise concerns related to Article I, Section 27 of the Pennsylvania Constitution, which guarantees the right to clean air and pure water.
"We are appalled that DEP would approve the expansion of LCT's Rustic Ridge coal mine when there are so many unresolved community concerns from the current active mine,” said Barbara McMillan, a resident of Donegal Township. “We believe more protection and accountability are necessary.”
Jim Miller, a Donegal Township resident, added, “After seeing the damage caused by Rustic Ridge #1, we're disappointed DEP approved an expansion into an area heavily dependent on groundwater. This appeal is essential, we cannot let history repeat itself with the Rustic Ridge expansion.”
MWA is represented in the appeal by the Law Firm of Sarah Winner and is committed to safeguarding the community’s water resources, public safety, and ecological health by holding DEP accountable to established regulations.
Visit the Mountain Watershed Association website for more background on this issue.
Unsuitable For Mining Petition
In a related action, on March 22, 2024, Mountain Watershed Association filed an appeal of another DEP decision to reject an unsuitable for surface coal mining petition covering the Rustic Ridge #1 mine expansion. [EHB Docket # 2024077] The appeal is still pending
On January 22, 2024, the Mountain Watershed Association submitted a petition to declare almost 11,000 acres unsuitable for surface coal mining in Donegal Township, Westmoreland County. Read more here.
On February 23, 2024, DEP rejected the petition saying, “The Department has found that the MWA’s petition lacks sufficient allegations of facts and supporting evidence to establish that the petition area is unsuitable for all or certain types of surface mining operations.”
DEP declared the petition “frivolous.” Read more here.
(Photo: The Allegheny Front.)
Related Article This Week:
-- Mountain Watershed Association Files EHB Appeal Of DEP's Approval Of The 1,452 Acre Expansion of the Rustic Ridge #1 Coal Mine In Fayette, Westmoreland Counties [PaEN]
-- Guest Essay: Remembering Ryerson Station State Park's Duke Lake, Lost To Damage Caused By Underground Coal Mining In Greene County 20 Years Ago - By Sarah Sweeney, Center for Coalfield Justice [PaEN]
NewsClip:
-- TribLive: Mountain Watershed Assn. Challenges Rustic Ridge Coal Mine Expansion In Westmoreland, Fayette Counties
[Posted: June 30, 2025] PA Environment Digest
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