Protect PT has drafted a model ordinance and submitted it to the Penn Township Commissioners for enactment to better protect residents from unconventional shale gas development, also known as fracking. If you are a Penn Township resident, sign our petition now to demand better protections for residents. Penn Township Ordinance Advocacy Penn Township is in the midst of a "Comprehensive Rezoning" of the entire municipality. Make sure that any changes that are made are in your family's best interest. Fracking The process of fracking leaves a clear, negative impact on residents living in its proximity. In addition to producing air, noise, and light pollution, emergency incidents can be catastrophic for environmental and human health. These effects are no secret, and can also lead to lower property values for residents living in proximity to a well pad. We're asking our municipal leaders to protect residents' health and property by: Increasing setback provisions from 600 to 2,500 feet; Developing a ten-year plan for future proposed development with gas wells at issue; Conducting adequate studies and documentation of the proposed 10-year plan and its impacts; Obtaining bonding and insurance in a minimum of 25 million dollars in the event of accidents involving people and property; Specifying fines and penalties for failure to comply with the Ordinance. Learn more about the impacts of fracking and how to make change by viewing our facts sheet below. 1/2 Get your FREE yard sign 1/2 Data Centers The data center boom has begun sweeping through Southwestern Pennsylvania, and without the proper precautions, municipal leaders have been left scrambling for adequate protections. Currently, Penn Township has no Ordinance regulating data centers. Unless the use is clearly defined and regulated as to where it can be located within a municipality, a developer could place a data center wherever they want. Without adequate protections, residents could be subject to : Increased electricity costs; Expanded fracking operations; High water usage; Noise pollution; Air pollution; Heat islands; Among other negative health impacts. Learn more about the impacts of data centers and how to make change by viewing our facts sheet below. Clean water right at our tap and clean air all around us, that’s what each of our families, across races and places, deserves. Join us to advocate for an ordinance that will protect our health and our community in Penn Township for generations to come. To learn more, call or email us: info @protectpt.org 724-392-7023 TAKE ACTION! ADVOCACY LETTER

In 2024, the Penn Township commissioners discussed plans to change the zoning of a large area in the township's northeast corner from Rural Resource (RR) to Industrial Commerce (IC). Rezoning in Penn Township New proposed Zoning changes are taking place in Penn Township. This change could impact property values, the peaceful enjoyment of your neighborhood, and create conflict with new surrounding light industrial development. What We Know The township is proposing to change many sections of the community from Rural Resource (RR) to Light Industrial Commerce (LIC). What We Don’t Know What type of industry will be permitted in a Light Industrial Commerce zone, or the reasons it is proposed for rezoning. What Can YOU Do? 1. Attend the Penn Township Meeting on September 1st to say NO to the proposed rezone. 2. Spread the word by telling your friends and neighbors using our Fact Sheet Protect PT will continue to provide up-to-date information about developments and future meeting dates. Come back to this webpage to stay up to date, or stay posted via email! Click the link below to submit our Penn Township rezoning interest form. Email Interest Form Sign up for a Free Yard sign to represent your concerns Sign up Download our previous PT Rezone Community Meeting Presentation History In 2015, Penn Township proposed expanding the current industrial zone along Walton and Melon roads, but due to outcry from residents, that proposal was scrapped. Now Penn Township commissioners are attempting to expand this industrial zone again, making way for uses like truck stops, compressor stations, gas processing facilities, warehousing, and other industrial uses. Residents do not want heavy industry disrupting the rural characteristic of their home, decreasing their p roperty values, and potentially causing tax increases across the township. At the October 2024 Planning Commission meeting, the Commission discussed plans to change the zoning of a large area in the township's northeast corner from Rural Resource (RR) to Industrial Commerce (IC). At this meeting we found out that the Board of Commissioners have been working behind closed doors since last year with a consultant company, Strategic Solutions, without telling the residents most affected. Protect PT worked to quickly inform and mobilize people on this decision, making sure that residents have an input and their concerns are considered. Since then, nearly 100 residents have shown up to oppose this effort at the continued public hearings and caucus meetings. In April 2025, the formally proposed map has been removed. More revisions will be considered thanks to the strong community efforts in expressing their concerns. In October 2025, the Township approved a map and ordinance including a Mineral Overlay & Light Industrial Commerce zones. The EQT Industrial Complex The location of the EQT industrial Complex Are you living near the EQT industrial Complex or other fracking infrastructure? Click above to use our free Fracking Map. The EQT Industrial Complex is composed of the Poseidon and Aphrodite Well Pads and the Guardian Compressor Station. Originally developed by Olympus, the well pads and compressor stations have since been purchased by EQT, who operates dozens of well pads throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania. Poseidon is located less than 1 mile from houses located in the Blackthorn Estates residential development. Have Something to Report? Connect with resources provided by us, Penn Township, and the DEP to report any noise complaints or environmental observations Noise Complaints CONTACT PENN TOWNSHIP Submit an Environmental Complaint SUBMIT A COMPLAINT TO DEP Report Concerns & Observations PROTECT PT MOBILE APP Don't know who your commissioner is? Check out this ward map to find out! Click to download.

Penn Township Rezoning New proposed Zoning changes are taking place in Penn Township. This change could impact property values, the peaceful enjoyment of your neighborhood, and create conflict with new surrounding light industrial development. Info What We Know The township is proposing to change many sections of the community from Rural Resource (RR) to Light Industrial Commerce (LIC). What We Don’t Know What type of industry will be permitted in a Light Industrial Commerce zone, or the reasons it is proposed for rezoning. What can you do? 1. Attend the Penn Township Planning Commission meetings to say NO to the proposed rezone. 2. Spread the word by telling your friends and neighbors using our Fact Sheet Download the fact sheet Protect PT will continue to provide up-to-date information about developments and future meeting dates. Stay posted via email! Click the link below to submit our Penn Township rezoning interest form. Learn more: History Ordinances Email interest form Resources Ordinances Fracking 1/2 Data Centers data center fact sheet data center fact sheet back data center fact sheet 1/2 The process of fracking leaves a clear, negative impact on residents living in its proximity. In addition to producing air, noise, and light pollution, emergency incidents can be catastrophic for environmental and human health. These effects are no secret, and can also lead to lower property values for residents living in proximity to a well pad. We're asking our municipal leaders to protect residents' health and property by: Increasing setback provisions from 600 to 2,500 feet; Developing a ten-year plan for future proposed development with gas wells at issue; Conducting adequate studies and documentation of the proposed 10-year plan and its impacts; Obtaining bonding and insurance in a minimum of 25 million dollars in the event of accidents involving people and property; Specifying fines and penalties for failure to comply with the Ordinance. The data center boom has begun sweeping through Southwestern Pennsylvania, and without the proper precautions, municipal leaders have been left scrambling for adequate protections. Currently, Penn Township has no Ordinance regulating data centers. Unless the use is clearly defined and regulated as to where it can be located within a municipality, a developer could place a data center wherever they want. Without adequate protections, residents could be subject to: Increased electricity costs; Expanded fracking operations; High water usage; Noise pollution; Air pollution; Heat islands; Among other negative health impacts. History I n 2015, Penn Township proposed expanding the current industrial zone along Walton and Melon roads, but due to outcry from residents, that proposal was scrapped. Now Penn Township commissioners are attempting to expand this industrial zone again, making way for uses like truck stops, compressor stations, gas processing facilities, warehousing, and other industrial uses. Residents do not want heavy industry disrupting the rural characteristic of their home, decreasing their property values, and potentially causing tax increases across the township. At the October 2024 Planning Commission meeting, the Commission discussed plans to change the zoning of a large area in the township's northeast corner from Rural Resource (RR) to Industrial Commerce (IC). At this meeting we found out that the Board of Commissioners have been working behind closed doors since last year with a consultant company, Strategic Solutions, without telling the residents most affected. Protect PT worked to quickly inform and mobilize people on this decision, making sure that residents have an input and their concerns are considered. Since then, nearly 100 residents have shown up to oppose this effort at the continued public hearings and caucus meetings. In April 2025, the formally proposed map has been removed. More revisions will be considered thanks to the strong community efforts in expressing their concerns. In October 2025, the Township approved a map and ordinance including a Mineral Overlay & Light Industrial Commerce zones. Resources Don't know who your commissioner is? Check out this ward map to find out! Click to download. Have Something to Report? Noise Complaints CONTACT PENN TOWNSHIP Submit an Environmental Complaint SUBMIT A COMPLAINT TO DEP Report Concerns & Observations PROTECT PT MOBILE APP

Protect PT is a citizen's group working to ensure the health and safety, security, and quality of life from the effects of unconventional gas development in Penn-Trafford and surrounding communities to protect resident's rights. Our Mission Protect PT (Penn-Trafford) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring residents' safety, security, and quality of life by engaging in education and advocacy to protect the economic, environmental, and legal rights of the people in Westmoreland and Allegheny counties. Protect PT was established in 2014 as a grassroots community-based nonprofit organization designed to protect our community from the harmful environmental impacts of fossil fuel activity. We are dedicated to ensuring Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties residents’ safety, security, and quality of life. About Us Upcoming Events The Hunt for Yellow 7: Tracking Radioactive Oil & Gas Waste in Our Communities Tue, Oct 20 Zoom More info Buy Tickets Upper Burrell Data Center Community Workshop - October Tue, Oct 20 Penn State New Kensington (Science 140) More info Buy Tickets October Lunch & Learn | Monarch Watch, Build your own Monarch Waystation! Tue, Oct 27 protectpt.info/lunch More info RSVP Protect PT Bingo Fundraiser! Sun, Nov 01 The Manchester Room More info Buy Tickets November Lunch & Learn | Meet Protect PT's Staff! Tue, Nov 24 protectpt.info/lunch More info RSVP Blog: News and Updates The Hunt for Yellow 7: Tracking Radioactive Oil & Gas Waste in Our Communities Lauren Posey Oct 5 Residents Are Furious as Upper Burrell Leaders Silently Publish New Data Center Ordinance Noah Bedard Aug 31 Gov. Shapiro's Executive Order Aims for Accountability, but Doesn't Halt Data Center Harms Lauren Posey Aug 19 Coalition Applauds Shapiro Administration for Launching Methane Rulemaking to Protect Pennsylvania's Health, Climate, and Communities Protect PT Jul 24 Read More

Emergency preparedness resources in the result of a chemical spill, gas leak, or explosion/fire due industrial gas activity in your region. Emergency and Disaster Preparedness If you witness or experience an emergency, call 911. Sirens, Whistles, Flashing Lights. These are the sights and sounds of emergency vehicles rushing to the scene. Shale gas production brings a new danger to our community. As unconventional gas development commences in Penn Township, residents will be exposed to the different stages of this heavy industrial process in close proximity to our homes, businesses, and schools. These stages include construction of well pads, drilling of vertical and horizontal bores, high volume hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”), flowback wastewater management, and completion. Undeniably, each stage of this heavy industrial activity brings with it inherent risks to our quiet, rural community. Some of the potential issues include, but are not limited to, truck accidents, transportation of toxic chemicals, chemical spills, gas leaks, dust filled air, and explosions/fires. It is a misconception that state and local regulations alone will ensure your protection. With 10 well pads and 50 plus wells currently proposed by Apex and Huntley & Huntley in our township, residents need to be reassured that our first responders are ready to protect the community. It is your job to protect your family. Continue reading to learn more about: -How to document an emergency -What a PPC plan is and why is it important -Spill response & remediation of exposure to toxins through spills and air emissions -How the community, local governments, and county can support our first responders Pipeline Explosion in Salem Township What your family will need in case of an emergency: 1. Be Prepared with a home emergency kit 2. Prepare your vehicle with an emergency kit 3. Make a family emergency plan 4. Prepare your pets Here are some state resources we found with helpful you will need to prepare your family for an emergency. Pennsylvania Emergency Preparedness Guide Family Emergency Plan For additional questions contact: Mary Beth Eslary, Public Information Officer, and Outreach Coordinator meslary@co.westmoreland.pa.us 724-600-7305 – Office/ 724-600-9539 – Cell 911 Public Safety Lane, Greensburg, PA 15601 For more state resources, go to www.readypa.org Emergency Contact List Local Emergency Numbers Steps to calling 9-1-1 Ask for Westmoreland County 911 (if you calling from a 412 area code, you may be connected to Allegheny County) State address of your emergency (see well pad addresses) Well Site 911 Addresses - Quest: 918 Walton Rd. Jeannette, PA 15644 - Drakulic: 1059 1st Street, Trafford, PA 15085 - Deutsch: 291 Saunders Station Road, Trafford, PA 15146 - Backus: 405 Sedona Ln. Trafford, PA 15085 - Numis: Connected to Backus, same address - Poseidon: 2001 Snyder Rd. Jeannette, PA 15644 - White: No address is given: Property located off Bush Run Road (SR 993) between Claridge Elliott - Road and Baughman Road - Beattie: 1122 Dutch Hollow Rd, Jeannette, Pa 15644 - Draftina: 1051 Dutch Hollow Rd, Jeannette, PA 15644 - Gaia: 2002 Denmark Manor Rd. Export, PA 15632 (not permitted yet) - Metis: 1260 Harrison City Export Rd. Jeannette, PA 15644 (not permitted yet) Penn Township Fire Departments Level Green Fire Department - 412-372-9669 Harrison City Fire Department- 724-744-4477 Claridge Fire Department- 724-744-2400 Grandview Fire Department - 724-523-8251 Paintertown Fire Department - 724-863-7769 Penn Township Ambulance 1030 Sandy Hill Road Irwin, PA 15642 724-744-4112 Supervisor: Edgar C. Grant info@penntownshipambulance.org Click here for a full list of our local first responders, chiefs, contact information and how many in a house. Local Hospitals UPMC East Hospital | 412-357-3000-2775 Mosside Blvd., Monroeville, PA 15146 Forbes Regional Hospital | 412-858-2000, 2570 Haymaker Rd., Monroeville, PA 15146 Westmoreland Regional Hospital | 724-832-4000, 532 West Pittsburgh Street, Greensburg, PA 15601 To learn more about emergency and disaster preparedness, Sign up for a Home Resource Guide Workshop

Use our fracking map to find fracking sites near you. Fracking Near You See well pads, compressor stations, and other kinds of infrastructure in Westmoreland and Allegheny County. For best results, view in full screen by clicking on the top right corner of the map. Click the symbol to open in a new browser window If you have any questions about our interactive fracking map, or if you feel as if any infrastructure is missing, feel free to contact us at enviroscience@protectpt.org .

Explore our services and get in touch Our Services Nothing to book right now. Check back soon.

We offer mentorship and guidance to individuals or groups that want to work toward social change in their community and fiscal scholarship to groups/individuals applying for grant funding. Communities United Mentorship Project Mentorship Pollution is a detriment to our quality of life as humans and knows no boundaries. We strive to help individuals and other communities who are facing similar issues by providing educational support, sharing of resources, and mentorship to ensure that others maintain or obtain clean and health communities. We strive to be of service t o other communities in the Southwestern Pennsylv ania region to help them better protect themselves from unconventional gas development and its associated infrastructure. In order to serve other communities, we are offering mentorship and guidance to individuals or groups that want to work toward social change in their community. We can discuss with other community members how to organize groups, participate in the local process and educate, engage, and empower their own communities for social change. We will also direct groups to other organizations in our network that can help them achieve their goals. Grantee Resources Reimbursement Form Groups Fiscally Sponsored: Some of the current and past groups participating in the mentorship program include Rostraver Residents, CROWD, Better Path Coalition & PA Climate Convergence, Freshwater Accountability Project, Ohio Valley Environmental Alliance, Mariner East Organizers, Cyclone Residents, and Friends of Murrysville Parks. Fiscal Sponsorship We offer fiscal sponsorship to groups or individuals that want to apply for grant funding for their organizing efforts but do not have 501(c)3 nonprofit status. Click here to fill out the Application for Fiscal Sponsorship Form . Once you have completed and submitted the form, we will discuss your application with our Board and let you know of their decision. Any additional paperwork you can provide to help the Board make their decision on funding your group can be sent to gillian@protectpt.org . Apply for Fiscal Sponsorship Today! FAQs What is fiscal sponsorship? A Fiscal Sponsorship is a formal arrangement in which a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization sponsors a group or a project that lacks exempt status. This allows the group to seek grants and solicit tax-deductible donations under the sponsor's tax-exempt status. What are the advantages of having a fiscal sponsorship? Having a fiscal sponsor can be more efficient for small groups that do not have manpower or time to handle all the paperwork necessary for a 501(c)3. Groups that have sponsorship can focus more on fulfilling their mission and engaging with their community. Partnering with a fiscal sponsor can help groups gain more funding. What does a fiscal sponsorship cost? Fiscal sponsors have different costs. Some charge as little as 2 percent, while others charge around 10 percent of gross profits. Do you need an attorney? Fiscal Sponsorship Agreements involve written contracts. You should always ask your sponsor questions if you do not understand part of the contract. If you are still unsure what you are getting into, it would be advisable to have an attorney read it through. Support Our Work

Privacy Policy You recognize and agree that by uploading any content (including, but not limited to designs, images, animations, videos, audio files, fonts, logos, illustrations, compositions, artworks, interfaces, text and literary works) through any means to the website, you confirm that you own all the relevant rights or received the appropriate license to upload/transfer/send the content. You agree and consent that the uploaded/transferred content may be publicly displayed at the website. You agree to indemnify and hold Protect PT harmless from any demands, loss, liability, claims or expenses (including attorneys’ fees), made against them by any third party due to, or arising out of, or in connection with your use of the website or any of the services offered on the website. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, in no event shall Protect PT, be liable for any indirect, punitive, incidental, special, consequential or exemplary damages, including without limitation, damages for loss of profits, goodwill, use, data or other intangible losses, arising out of or relating to the use of, or inability to use, the service. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, [website owner] assumes no liability or responsibility for any (i) errors, mistakes, or inaccuracies of content; (ii) personal injury or property damage, of any nature whatsoever, resulting from your access to or use of our service; and (iii) any unauthorized access to or use of our secure servers and/or any and all personal information stored therein. If you are receiving text messages from us and wish to stop receiving them, respond with “STOP” to the number from which you received the message. Once we receive your message, you will no longer receive further text messages from us. Our organization does not share or sell user information with third parties unless we receive explicit consent from the user.

Protect PT advocates for the constitutional rights of Pennsylvania residents to clean air, pure water, and the preservation of the environment. Legal Advocacy Our Legal Advocacy in Southwest PA Protect PT advocates for the constitutional rights of Pennsylvania residents to clean air, pure water, and the preservation of the environment. Members participate in appeals to public officials and government agencies charged with protecting your health and environmental rights. Find more information about each case below. Support our Legal Work Municipality Assistance Protect PT has assisted numerous municipalities in suggesting protective ordinance language covering activities that have been known to harm human health and the environment, including: Injection wells Data Centers Unconventional well pads Noise Also covering truck routes, lighting, landscaping, and other important considerations where industrial development is proposed. For residents who want more information on how they can advocate to protect their community from these types of activities, email our Community Advocate Jim Cirilano: james@protectpt.org or call 724-392-7023 . Drakulic Well Pad Drill and Operate Permits: Apex Energy, LLC, since acquired by CNX Resources, by its subsidiary WCAA Upstream, LLC (WCAA), obtained special exception zoning permits for a total of 7 well pads in Penn Township. Drakulic is one of those well pads and is located on 1st Street in Penn Township, adjacent to Trafford PA. Apex initially applied for the D&O permits in 2021, but because the permits expire in one year if drilling does not occur, those first permits expired and Apex was required to refile its application. Protect PT had appealed the second set of permits. The Environmental Hearing Board (EHB), the adjudicative body that hears appeals from permits granted by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP), held hearings in January of 2025 on the PA DEP’s issuance of drilling and operating permits for fracking wells by WCAA at the Drakulic Well Pad. Protect PT objected to well permits for Apex's 1H and 7H wells. The EHB rendered its decision in June and upheld the issuance of the permits by the DEP, however the hearing board amended the permits to include conditions on the well pad that WCAA (formerly Apex) had agreed to in a Consent Judgment that it had entered into with Penn Township in 2016. Protect PT appealed the EHB’s decision to uphold the issuance of the permits to the Commonwealth Court. WCAA appealed the EHB’s amendments to the permit requiring compliance with the provisions contained in the Consent Judgment. In addition, the special exception permits that were granted to APEX in 2017 by Penn Township, “expire without notice to the applicant if the proposed development is not substantially completed within 2 years.” It has been nearly 9 years since the issuance of the permits and construction of the well pad has not yet commenced. Protect PT is ready to take action should new permit applications arise. Our Press Release EHB Docket 2025 Adjudication 2016 Consent Judgement Sedat 4A Injection Well Residents Prevail in Plum, Blocking Penneco’s Hazardous Fracking Waste Injection Well! Our Press Release In January 2022, the Plum Borough Zoning Hearing Board took testimony concerning Penneco’s application to expand its Sedat 3a injection well to include a second injection well, the Sedat 4a well. Protect PT participated in this hearing, along with Plum Borough’s Board of Commissioners, both parties opposing the new injection well. The Zoning Hearing Board granted Penneco’s permit. Protect PT and the Commissioners appealed this decision to the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, which upheld the decision of the Board. Finally, Protect PT and the Commissioners appealed to the Commonwealth Court. Commonwealth Court agreed with Protect PT and overturned the decisions of the Board and the Common Pleas Court and required additional findings of fact. The Zoning Hearing Board conducted a second hearing with both Protect PT and the Commissioners opposing, and this time found in favor of Protect PT and against Penneco, denying Penneco’s application for a second injection well. Penneco appealed this denial to the Court of Common Pleas, the matter was briefed and argued, and we await the Court’s decision. We expect that the decision will be appealed whichever way it is decided. Additional Documents Judges Order 1.29.24 Order of Court 9.23.24 Learn More about the Plum Injection Well Guardian Compressor Station In January 2024, Olympus, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Hyperion Midstream (Hyperion) filed for a Special Exception zoning permit for the Guardian Compressor Station (Guardian). Guardian is located between the Aphrodite pad and the Poseidon pad, between Pleasant Valley Road and Ramalley Road, near the Valley Landfill. A compressor station is associated with pipelines for the produced gas. It compresses the gas for transmission through the pipeline. Protect PT challenged the Special Exception zoning permit application before Penn Township’s Zoning Hearing Board. The hearings were held one night a month, over the course of nine months. The Zoning Hearing Board granted the permit and we have now appealed that decision to the Common Pleas Court, Westmoreland County, Judge Smail. Olympus challenged Protect PT’s right to bring the appeal, based on standing. In order to bring legal action, an individual or group must have personal stake or involvement in a particular issue and the result of a decision about that issue must have the potential to impact them in a significant way. Olympus is challenging whether we have a member who will be sufficiently impacted by this decision for our case to go forward. Judge Smail denied Protect PT's argument that we have standing. Protect PT has appealed this decision to the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania. Pictured: June 2024's packed Compressor Station Hearing with our Environmental Consultant, Makenzie White, as an Expert Witness. Pictured from left to right: Community Advocate, Jim Cirilano and Protect PT's attorney Lisa Johnson, Esq. at the April 2024 Compressor Station Hearing Pictured: Our Environmental Consultant, Makenzie White, serving as an expert witness at the June Compressor Station Hearing. Draftina Well Pad Expiration of the Special Exception Approval: Apex obtained a special exception zoning permit from Penn Township as part of the Federal Court action, which resulted in a Consent Order and Apex receiving special exception zoning permits for the well pads called Draftina, Drakulic, and Beattie in 2016. The special exception zoning permits, by the terms of the Penn Township Ordinance, expire, without notice, after two years if there is not substantial completion of the proposed use. In March 2024, Apex and the township entered into a Land Disturbance Agreement whereby Apex proposed to begin the development of the Draftina well pad. This would mean that the development was only beginning nearly eight years after the issuance of the special exception zoning permit. Protect PT appealed the Land Disturbance Agreement to the Court of Common Pleas of Westmoreland County. Attorney John Smith of the firm Smith Butz represents Protect PT in this matter. Attorney John Smith of the law firm Smith Butz. represents Protect PT in the appeal of the Land Disturbance Agreement. Judge Smail of the Court of Common Pleas of Westmoreland County held that the Federal Consent Order controlled and Apex, now CNX, did not have to abide by the two year expiration contained in the local ordinance, usurping local and state laws set forth in the Municipal Planning Code. Protect PT appealed this decision to the Commonwealth Court and it agreed with Judge Smail. The matter is now on appeal to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. For additional updates on our legal work, visit our blog page or contact our Community Advocate, Jim Cirilano. Support Our Work

"Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is a drilling method used to extract petroleum (oil) or natural gas from deep in the planet. In the fracking process, cracks in and below Earth's surface are opened and widened by injecting water, chemicals, and sand at high pressure." Fracking 101 What is fracking? "Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is a drilling method used to extract petroleum (oil) or natural gas from deep in the planet. In the fracking process, cracks in and below Earth's surface are opened and widened by injecting water, chemicals, and sand at high pressure." “How Hydraulic Fracturing Works.” National Geographic, education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/how-hydraulic-fracturing-works/ . Accessed 1 July 2024. "Fracking is used to extract natural gas from the Marcellus shale formation in the northern Appalachian Basin, extending through the U.S. states of New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia." “How Hydraulic Fracturing Works.” National Geographic, education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/how-hydraulic-fracturing-works/ . Accessed 1 July 2024. Learn More The Fracking Process "The process begins with the drilling of a long vertical or angled well that can extend a mile or more into the earth. As the well nears the rock formation where the natural gas or oil lies, drilling then gradually turns horizontal and extends as far as thousands of feet. Steel pipes called casings are inserted into the well, and the space between the rock and the casing is fully or partially filled with cement. Small holes are made in the casing with a perforating gun, or the well is constructed with pre-perforated pipe. Fracking fluid is then pumped in at a pressure high enough to create new fractures or open existing ones in the surrounding rock." Denchak, Melissa. “Fracking 101.” Natural Resources Defense Council, 19 Apr. 2019, www.nrdc.org/stories/fracking-101#work . How does Fracking affect Economic Development and Property Values? A study conducted by researchers at Duke University found that the risks and potential liabilities of drilling outweigh economic benefits like lease payments and potential economic development in Washington County, PA. Penn Township is no different! Click Here to view report. Protect PT has an extensive collection of resource documents (like the DEP and PT permits/applications, etc) If you want to view any documents that Protect PT has made available you may find it on this page or if there are documents you would like to share with us, please CONTACT us directly through this site. We thank you for your interest, information and concern. Fracking Infrastructure Interactive Map See well pads, compressor stations, and other kinds of infrastructure in Westmoreland and Allegheny County. For best results, view in full screen by clicking on the top right corner of the map. Protect PT's Fracking 101 YouTube Playlist Concerned about fracking in your community? Get in touch with our team to hear about our work around fracking infrastructure near you, and join us for our regularly-held community events. Support our work by subscribing to our newsletter and donating! Contact Us 43RD STATEWIDE GRAND JURY FINDS PENNSYLVANIA FAILED TO PROTECT CITIZENS DURING FRACKING BOOM Attorney General Josh Shapiro addresses the "initial failure" over a dozen years ago of the DEP to regulate and respond to the shale gas industry in a new 235-page report that endangers health and safety. READ THE REPORT

Sign up for our Living Near Shale Gas Community Workshop Series! We educate the community about topics such as Complaint and Compliance, Emergency and Disaster Awareness, Air and Water pollution, and Noise and Nuisance. Living Near Shale Gas Workshops The Living Near Shale Gas Community Workshops are a series of trainings that cover topics surrounding oil and gas development, from extraction and production, to transportation and waste issues. This series is broken up into multiple sections to mirror the Living Near Shale Gas Resource Guide, a binder we put together with resources designed to help you protect resident's homes and livelihoods. These trainings are free and open to the public. Participants will receive a copy of the Guide when they attend a training. If you are a resident and would like to request training to be scheduled for your community, please contact kyle@protectpt.org. If you would like to request one of our Living Near Shale Gas Resource Guides, please email Kyle at kyle@protectpt.org. Attend our Next Workshop We hold our Living Near Shale Gas Workshops several times a year. To see if we have any upcoming workshops, visit our events page with the link below! Upcoming Workshops: Upcoming Events Collaborate with Protect PT to bring the Living Near Shale Gas Workshop to New Communities If you are a part of an organization or group and would like to collaborate on a LNSG Workshop in your community, please fill out our form . We are only able to hold this event for communities in Pennsylvania, due to the specific nature of the laws and regulations discussed. Thanks for your understanding. Request a Workshop Support Our Work!