https://naviga.triblive.com/local/westmoreland/rustic-ridge-mine-opponents-to-petition-dep-to-reject-mining-permit/
Rustic Ridge Mine opponents to petition DEP to reject mining permit
A Fayette County-based citizens group is planning to present a petition Monday to state officials asking that environmental regulators reject the request for a permit renewal at a Donegal Township mine.
The proposal would extend the mine underneath the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
The Mountain Watershed Association in Champion plans to hold a rally on the front steps of the state Capitol to show opposition to LCT Energy LP’s application to renew its permit for its Rustic Ridge Mine and expand operations. Stacey Magda, a community organizer for Mountain Watershed, said they anticipate about 16 people will travel to Harrisburg for the rally.
The organization intends to present a petition purported to have about 320 signatures to the state Department of Environmental Protection, saying it opposes the mining operations because of the potential harm to rural areas that are “extremely sensitive,” Magda said.
“Once the work starts, different things can happen,” Magda said, including possible mine subsidence and damage to residents’ water wells.
The group is seeking the support of state representatives, senators, the Pennsylvania Office of Environmental Justice and DEP’s Citizens Advisory Council, Magda said.
LCT Energy of Johnstown wants to add about 1,450 acres to its existing permit that allows the firm to mine coal on about 2,880 acres in Donegal Township and in Saltlick Township in Fayette County.
If the expansion is approved, LCT Energy has said the expanded mine would keep 100 miners working for about six years.
The DEP has said the agency still is conducting a technical review of the major permit modification that LCT filed in October 2021.
Once the DEP has reached a decision, LCT “will comply with any and all aspects of the permit,” said LCT President Mark Tercek.
“While we strongly disagree with the MWA’s assertions, we respect their right to oppose our permit application and will continue to operate under all rules and regulations that govern our current project,” Tercek said.
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