Proposed Rustic Ridge Deep Mine

Several years ago LCT Energy submitted a Notice of Intent to Explore (NOI) to the PA Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) for an underground mine in the Donegal & Saltlick areas of the Indian Creek watershed– an area often referred to as the “gateway to the Laurel Highlands.”  Based on expert opinion, we are concerned this could lead to the creation of additional mine drainage discharges in the Indian Creek watershed.  LCT recently submitted a full application for this site.  Contact us for more information on water testing or to review a copy of the application and the maps.  (Click here for a map of the proposed mining area with some local landmarks highlighted).  MWA recently held a community meeting to provide information about this proposal.  With the help of the community, we identified many deficiencies in the permit application.  Click here to learn more about the deficiencies.

For more information on the proposed deep mine contact Beverly or view our news feed for the latest updates.

Protect Yourself

If you live near the proposed Rustic Ridge mine or another coal mine, here are a few ideas that can help:

• Periodically test your private water supply for quality and quantity. This is something all homeowners with a private water supply should do, regardless of the occurrence of mining.
• Become informed about when and where mining will occur near you. The following DEP resources will assist you.
  • eNotice: Register to receive notice of mining or other permits in your area. (www.dep.state.pa.us/enotice/)
  • eMap: This service maps proposed mines and other activities. (www.emappa.dep.state.pa.us/emappa/viewer.htm)
  • eFacts: After mining starts, monitor inspection reports and violations. (www.dep.state.pa.us/efacts/default.asp)
• If you are within 1000′ of a proposed surface mine, the company will be required to test your water for both quantity and quality. While you should generally accept this testing, it is also a good idea to:
  • Have your water independently assessed for quantity and quality both before and after mining. Use a DEP certified lab, and do not do this testing yourself— ask that the lab send a technician to perform the testing. For more information or a list of labs, please contact Krissy.
  • If you live within 2,500′ of a proposed surface mine, you are entitled to a pre-blast survey. You should accept this offer as it will document pre-blasting conditions of your home and other buildings on your property. This will be important if your home were to be damaged as a result of blasting. If a pre-blast survey is not offered, ask the DEP in writing to require one.

We have many materials that can assist citizens including a series of brochures (available below, click to download a PDF copy) designed specifically for those living adjacent to surface mining.

• Strip Mining Brochure
• What Happened to My Water?
• Ten Steps for Blasting Back
• How to Document Blasting Damage
• List of DEP Certified Water Testing Labs

Please contact us for additional information.