A major decision about the future of our local water, property, and community is underway.

LCT Energy is seeking permission to build another major new coal mine facility right at the geographic gateway to Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands, in Mount Pleasant and Donegal Townships. The proposed "Rustic Ridge #2" project would involve constructing a 64.6-acre surface facility in Westmoreland County as the entry point for a sprawling 2,300-acre underground mining operation.

According to the company's permit materials, the project would permanently fill nearly half an acre of wetlands (0.57 acres) and impact more than a third of a mile (1,885 feet) of tributary streams feeding Jacobs Creek, a critical waterway in the region. These impacts are among the many reasons the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is now reviewing the project under the Clean Water Act.

The Mountain Watershed Association has reviewed the permit materials to assess its potential impacts. Our review found several areas of significant concern—ranging from water pollution risks and loss of sensitive streams and wetlands, to the use of outdated data and a lack of clarity in the application. Federal law requires a thorough review of alternatives and full mitigation for any permanent impacts to waterways and wetlands, but the current application raises questions that have not yet been fully answered.

We urge the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a more complete review, ensure accurate and up-to-date information, and guarantee meaningful opportunities for public participation.

If you agree that these issues deserve a closer look, please sign on to support our call for stronger oversight and transparency.

What Are the Main Concerns?

• Water Pollution Risks:
  Expert analysis found the mine is likely to create long-term discharges of acid mine drainage (AMD), polluted water that is very difficult and expensive to treat. This kind of pollution has already affected other streams in our region for generations.
  
  

• Loss of Streams and Wetlands:
  The project would permanently fill wetlands and dewater sensitive headwater streams. These areas are vital for clean water, wildlife, and flood protection. Once lost,they may never be fully restored.
  
  

• Use of Outdated Data:
  Some of the water quality data used in the application is several years old and does not reflect recent increases in pollution downstream of the existing Rustic Ridge mine. Accurate, current data is essential to prevent further harms.
  
  

• Floodplain and Construction Questions:
  The Corps asked the company for more information about potential impacts to flooding and whether certain construction will occur within streams and wetlands. Complete and detailed answers are needed to fully understand these risks.
  
  

• Alternatives and Mitigation:
  Federal law requires that less-damaging alternatives be considered, and that any losses to streams and wetlands are fully and properly mitigated. There are questions about whether these steps have been thoroughly addressed in the current permit application.
  
  

• Clarity and Transparency:
  There are inconsistencies in the application about the full extent of impacts, making it difficult for neighbors and officials to know exactly what’s at stake.

Help us protect the Laurel Highlands and area headwaters from the Rustic Ridge #2 Coal Mine. Sign on and share to request a Public Hearing and full Environmental Impact Statement from the Army Corp of Engineers. DEP is currently undergoing technical review of the permits but the federal agency, ACOE, has to weigh in, too. We should have a voice with every agency that considers the fate of our watershed!