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  • Data Centers and Fracking | Protect PT

    Data centers are energy intensive facilities that contain a large network of computer servers that store, manage, back up, and recover data. In January of 2025, Protect PT learned about a proposed data center located in Upper Burrell, PA, at the old Alcoa plant. According to TECfusions, the company responsible, this one data center will consume three gigawatts of electricity—more electricity than produced by solar in the state of Pennsylvania. Data Centers & Fracking Data Center Proposals in PA Sign up for Email Updates A data center is a warehouse-like building containing rows of networked computer servers and equipment used for the remote processing, storage, and distribution of data. Municipalities across Pennsylvania are currently receiving many proposals for large data center projects, primarily for the purpose of allowing technology companies to power AI tools and cloud computing. These hyperscale facilities can cover hundreds of acres of land and require vast amounts of energy and water. Impacts to Residents and the Environment from Large Scale Data Centers Increased Electric Costs Data centers use tremendous amounts of electricity. New hyperscale facilities, which are designed to support AI development, demand hundreds of megawatts (MW) or even several gigawatts (GW) of energy. That's as much energy as a mid-size city like Pittsburgh. This can drive up costs for local residents and small businesses. People in northern Virginia, the "Data Center Capital of the World," are already facing rate hikes as data centers consume more than 25% of the state's electricity . Fracking Operations A sudden influx in energy-intensive data center projects would strain our resources, encouraging more unconventional oil and gas development. Many of these facilities are being proposed alongside gas-fired power plants. Southwestern Pennsylvanians are already facing the burdens of fracking in the form of negative health impacts, disturbances, and stress. We are concerned that data center development would be a significant roadblock to moving in the right direction for a clean and healthy energy future. High Water Usage Data centers have become a top 10 water consuming industry in the United States. Hyperscale facilities can consume up to five million gallons of water per day to cool their servers. In fact, each 100-word email generated by an AI Chatbot using GPT-4 requires 519 millimeters of water for cooling, which is more than 1 standard bottle of water. Not all water authorities may be capable of or suitable for serving these data centers. This high water use could also pose a problem during periods of drought. Air Pollution Noise and Light Pollution Many of these data centers would be powered by gas-fired power plants or mobile gas turbines, which release harmful pollutants into the air. Data centers are also often equipped with backup diesel generators, which kick for additional power use. These noisy generators produce particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide, which can cause breathing problems in exposed populations. People living near data centers are sometimes affected by noise and light pollution. Data centers emit constant, low-frequency noise, which can affect physical and mental wellbeing. The type of activity that a data center is used for can affect how much sound it produces, with cryptocurrency mines being especially loud. Careful facility siting and design is necessary to prevent data centers from emitting nuisance noise. Watch our Webinar Get Involved Article: SWPA Residents Rage Against the Machines Read Upcoming Events Due to community involvement, Upper Burrell Township recently adopted a curative amendment on a 180-day moratorium in order to take time to refine their data center ordinance! Read Our Q&A Responses Proposed Data Center Sites in Southwestern PA Upper Burrell A large data center has been proposed for Upper Burrell, PA, at the site of the old Alcoa research facility. According to TECfusions, the developer, this one data center could consume up to 3 GW of electricity—more electricity than produced by solar in the entire state of Pennsylvania. A gas fired power plant will be built on site to meet part of the demand, while another 280 MW will be pulled from West Penn Power. 6 gas well pads are located on the property. Download our Fact Sheet Air Pollution Dispersion Map Sign up for Email Updates Latest News Springdale The Springdale Data Center was approved in a 5-2 vote by the Borough Council. We applaud all of the efforts by Springdale and neighboring residents throughout the course of this process. We hope that Springdale community voices are continued to be heard and that the health and safety of residents are at the forefront the conditions that were placed on this project. As more develops we will remain diligent in our support for the community. Air Pollution Dispersion Map Sign up for Email Updates Latest News Homer City Homer City Redevelopment and Kiewit Power Constructors are planning to convert the closed Homer City coal plant into the largest natural gas-fired power plant in the entire nation. This massive, 4.5 GW facility will serve a planned data center campus on a 3,200 acre site. A company called GE Vernova will supply 7 gas turbines for the project, which could go online as soon as 2027. Fuel will be drawn from the Texas Eastern pipeline. Air Pollution Dispersion Map Sign up for Email Updates Latest News Ask Penn Township to adopt a Protective Data Center Zoning Ordinance SIGN ON TODAY! Learn More Resources Download our Fact Sheets! AI Data Centers & Fracking - Video Playlist Frac Tracker - National Data Centers Tracker EESI - Data Centers & Water Consumption Large Scale Data Center Impacts - Resource Guide Water Keepers Chesapeake - Water Supply ORVI - Fracking & Economics See our presentation

  • Violation Alerts | Protect PT

    Learn more about reccent local operator violations. Violation Alerts 2025 Violation Alerts Olympus equipment malfunction spills 1-3 barrels of fracking waste at Porter Well Pad June 30, 2025 On 6/30/2025, the DEP responded to a report from Olympus Energy, LLC that an equipment malfunction on 6/27/2025 sprayed 1-3 barrels of fracking waste from a ruptured hose onto the Porter well pad in Allegheny Township. A follow up inspection noted 5 violations related to disposal and containment of substances, and prevention of pollution to waters of the commonwealth. TAGS: waste , spill Westmoreland Sanitary Landfill (WSL) Receives Illegal Dumping Violation April 2, 2025 On April 2, 2025, DEP received a call from the Vice President of Landfill Operations reporting that a truck hit and broke a leachate clean out line, resulting in leachate entering a stormwater ditch which ultimately empties into a nearby tributary to Speers Run which runs alongside Tyrol Boulevard. Information about the incident is solely from WSL personnel. There is no publicly available information to indicate that DEP has been on site to inspect the facility since the incident, nor to indicate that the facility submitted a detailed follow up report. TAGS: water , waste Westmoreland Sanitary Landfill (WSL) Violation January 15, 2025 Upon inspection, the PA Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) found 5 Air Quality program violations at the site. These violations indicate a lack of compliance and recordkeeping issues related to the installation, modification, and/or use of equipment that either releases or controls air emissions. TAGS: air Olympus' Artemis Well Pad receives Violation for Unlawful Discharge of Industrial Waste April 28, 2025 The DEP responded to an incident at the Artemis well pad on April 28, 2025. The inspection report is not publicly available, but violations cited in the summary included failure to comply with erosion and sedimentation regulations & discharge of industrial waste resulting in pollution of Waters of the Commonwealth. TAGS: water , erosion & sedimentation Apex receives violations at Eisaman Well Pad January 31, 2025 At a regular inspection carried out by the PA DEP, Apex was given violations for failing to control and dispose of residual waste properly as well as doing so without a residual waste permit at the Eisman Well Pad, located in Hempfield Township. This led to a failure to properly safeguard Commonwealth water. TAGS: water Olypus Energy receives Six Violations at the Athena Well Pad April 17, 2025 In response to a complaint, the DEP conducted an inspection of the site and found several violations. Six violations were issued related to failures to adequately control erosion and sedimentation on the site. Additionally, they found that previous violations at the site were still outstanding from a previous inspection. TAGS: erosion & sedimentation Herminie Well Pad receives violations for soil contamination February 18, 2025 Apex was given violations for failure to properly control and dispose of drilling materials, improper or unauthorized management of residual waste, and failure to adequately prevent pollutants from reaching waters of the commonwealth. TAGS: waste , spill 2024 Violation Alerts Apex Violation for 37 Well Sites, Refuses to Disclose Fracking Chemicals September 10, 2024 A compliance check found that Apex failed to comply with a PA Code which requires Apex to provide a list of the chemicals intentionally added to the stimulation fluid. Instead, Apex listed “Proprietary” or “Trade Secret”. Apex may designate proprietary information, however chemical information must still be submitted. TAGS: water Spill at Herminie Well Pad July 22, 2024 Operator says roughly 10 gallons of drilling mud sprayed out of a tank because a valve was not shut. This mud landed on the rocks that fill the ditch between the well pads. Apex reported the contaminated rock was dug up and disposed of. They were given violations for failing to control and dispose of waste properly, handling waste without having a permit for such activity, reporting the spill more than 2 hours after it occurred, and failing to take precautions to protect waterways. TAGS: water, waste Water Management Plan Source 13 Violation May 3, 2024 Operator is required to measure the flow of water instream, specifically the passby which is measured in CFS or cubic feet per second. This is used to quantify the rate of flow or discharge of water in rivers, streams etc. passing through a specific point within one second. It is used to assess water availability. The operator failed to measure this properly and withdrew on days in which the CFS was below the standard violating several regulations. TAGS: water Hermes Erosion & Sedimentation Violations September 17, 2024 Upon routine inspection, the PA DEP found soil displacement (removal, shifting, or rearranging of soil layers from their original position). They also noted areas of less than 70% vegetation alongside the access road. For these findings, Olympus was given violations for violating the erosion and sediment control requirements, the erosion and sediment control and stormwater management, and the best management practices and the general permit. TAGS: Erosion CNX Water Withdrawal Violations May 3, 2024 CNX recieved multiple violations from the DEP as a result of innaproprate water withdrawal in both 2022 and 2023. For 17 days in 2023, CNX withdrew water from the Beaver Run Reservoir without an active permit. CNX also failed to report water withdrawals in Greenport from other sources. TAGS: water Athena Well Pad Violation April 16, 2024 Operator failed to take actions for the site to be permanently stabilized and protected from accelerated erosion and sedimentation. Erosion and sediment plans are important and required to prevent environmental damage, mitigate potential flooding and property damage, protect infrastructure, and practice sustainable land management. Additionally, the operator has not resolved previous violations from March around contamination of local waterways. TAGS: water, erosion, waste Athena Erosion & Sedimentation Violations September 9, 2024 A complaint was reported to the Department and the inspection conducted was a follow up to that complaint. They were given violations for violating the erosion and sediment control and stormwater management plan, permit requirements, and failing to provide site stabilization. TAGS: water, waste Apex Water Withdrawal Violations May 3, 2024 In May, Apex was notified of of multiple PA statute violations due to water withdrawal activities. Apex was found to have withdrawn more water than allowed from multiple sources in 2022 and 2023. TAGS: water Athena Well Pad Violation February 1, 2024 Operator had a spill occur on the site at an unknown time and penetrated the surface of the ground for an unknown length of time. They were given violations for threatening waterways, not taking precautions to avoid impacting waterways, failing to manage waste properly, and processing residual waste without a permit. TAGS: water, waste Support Our Work

  • Donate | Protect PT

    Your gifts make a difference! Donate todya to provide continued educational programs, advocacy and environmental monitoring services to protect the safety, security and quality of life for residents impacted by oil and gas development in Westmoreland and Allegheny County. Support Education and Advocacy Your Gift Makes a Difference! Your gifts provide continued educational programs, advocacy and environmental monitoring services to protect the safety, security and quality of life for residents impacted by oil and gas development in Westmoreland and Allegheny County. Consider becoming a monthly donor at an amount that fits in your budget! Checking Your Donations Not sure when you last donated or need another donation receipt? You can now log into a secure online portal to check your donation records. If you have any questions about the portal, please contact noah@protectpt.org . Don't want to donate online? Send a check to: Protect PT PO BOX 137 Harrison City, PA 15636 New members: don't forget your membership form !

  • Pitcairn | Protect PT

    Pitcairn & Monroeville Landfill What’s going on in Pitcairn? Community members in Pitcairn have been experiencing smell events for years, characterized by a strong odor that causes burning of the eyes and throat. The source of the odor, usually presented in colder conditions, is unknown. In order to address the issue and find the source of the smells, Protect PT has teamed up with the Pitcairn Fire Department and Environmental Integrity Project to employ air sampling in affected areas . After the air is sampled during a smell event, the sample will be sent to a laboratory for analysis. Sign up for Free Air Monitoring Air Sampling The Environmental Integrity Project trained the Pitcairn Fire Department to deploy specialized air canisters (Summa Canisters) that collect air samples during smell events. They can test for things like Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Sulfur Compounds, Total Non-Methane Organic Compounds (NMOC), and Methane. Additionally, Protect PT has installed air monitors around the area to continuously measure the level of VOCs present. Goals for Air Sampling Identify chemicals that are in the air during odor events Compare health thresholds Correlate with continuous VOCs measurements Summa Canister What should I do if I experience a smell event? Because the Pitcairn Fire Department is equipped to sample air, residents are encouraged to call 911 and ask for the fire department to be deployed. After calling 911, record your observations, both environmental and health. What is the temperature outside? What is the weather like ? What direction is the wind blowing? Are your eyes burning? Does your throat itch? These are examples of things to consider when recording your observations. Protect PT's Environmental Reporting App You can also record your observations using Protect PT’s Environmental Reporting app , which can be accessed with the “Environmental Reporting” button at the top of our web page. You can use the app on any device that connects to the internet. It is good practice to describe the specific scents you smell, utilizing a smell chart since different pollutants and chemicals produce different smells. This allows the scientists working on this issue to have a better understanding of where the odor may be originating. Additional Resources View our slides from our last community meeting on August 18th, 2025. Support Our Work

  • Careers | Protect PT

    Join our team! Be a member of our board, volunteer, or intern to create change in your community. Become an intern and get school credit or volunteer hours. Careers at Protect PT PPT offers a supportive and flexible working environment and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. If you have any questions about job oppertunities at Protect PT, email us at info@protectpt.org . If you would like to support Protect PT's mission but are not currently seeking an employee position, you can visit our Take Action! page and sign up to be a volunteer . Additionally, you can donate and become a PPT member. Internship applicants can learn more about our openings and apply on our internship page . Current Positions We're not currently hiring. Thank you for your interest! Our Core Tenets Protect PT's Inclusion Policy Protect PT is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. Therefore, qualified applicants will be considered regardless of sex, race, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or any other protected category. The work I do here affects my friends and family. My parents get their drinking water from Beaver Run Reservoir. If you apply for a job here, you’ll be fighting for my parents, too. [Additionally], I’m disabled. I need accommodation under the ADA in order to do my job. Of all the places I’ve worked, Protect PT has done the best job of accommodating me. Management’s focus is always on the results I achieve. When personal health issues come up, Protect PT has stood by me. Tom P. Former Environmental Policy Advocate

  • Contact Us | Protect PT

    Get in touch with Protect PT. Please note that our mailing address is different from our office address. Office Address: 3344 Route 130, Suite A Harrison City, PA 15636 Mailing Address: PO BOX 137 Harrison City, PA 15636-0137 Phone: 724-392-7023 Fax: 724-392-4780 Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Contact Us Social Media How can we help? Organization: Gillian Graber Executive Director gillian@protectpt.org Environmental Science: Advocacy & Policy: James Cirilano Community Advocate james@protectpt.org Lauren Posey Environmental Policy Advocate lauren@protectpt.org Yvonne Sorovacu Environmental Scientist yvonne@protectpt.org Mina Kimak Environmental Program Assistant mina@protectpt.org Connect: Noah Bedard Communications Assistant noah@protectpt.org Kyle Zboran Project Coordinator kyle@protectpt.org Sara Majorsky Community Organizer sara@protectpt.org

  • Westmoreland Sanitary Landfill | Protect PT

    Westmoreland Sanitary Landfill in Rostraver Township, Westmoreland County has been accepting fracking waste for over a decade leading a to radioactive toxic leachate problem. Westmoreland Sanitary Landfill This landfill produces significant health and environmental impacts to nearby residents in Rostraver, Monessen, and Belle Vernon. Westmoreland Sanitary Landfill (WSL) has been the subject of five Consent Decrees with the DEP in the past six years. The latest decree dealt specifically with the leachate problem that exists at the landfill. Leachate is the water that naturally drains out of landfills as a result of rain falling on the landfill and the liquid contents of the refuse leaking out and flowing away from the site. In the case of WSL, this leachate is radioactive and contains multiple hazardous chemicals because WSL accepted drill cuttings and other unconventional gas well waste into the landfill. Neighbors surrounding the landfill are experiencing myriad health impacts, as well as the nuisance of air, water, and noise pollution. Download our PowerPoint Read Protect PT's Comment Download our Fact Sheets Click to view and download documents. Recent Updates: NPDES Permit WSL applied for a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit to discharge treated landfill leachate into the Monongahela River on June 17, 2024, which provides drinking water for residents across the region. The DEP released a draft of the permit on February 14, 2025. The leachate at the site is radioactive and dangerous to human health, and WSL's extensive history of violations creates great cause for concern for their ability to effectively treat this highly dangerous leachate. The DEP held a public comment hearing on March 20, 2025, to allow residents to share their comments regarding the potential issuance of this permit. Protect PT is working to prevent this permit from being issued. WSL's Reapplication for a Title V Permit In late 2024, WSL has reapplied for a Title V Air Permit. This permit will allow the landfill to continue operating, endangering the surrounding communities. Protect PT wrote a comment to the PA Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) to encourage them to hold a public hearing regarding the issuance of the Title V Permit. Read the comment to the right to learn more. click to view Why WSL's Title V Permit should NOT be renewed: It would allow increased pollution in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas while attempting to avoid local responsibility Because WSL continues to create a nuisance by permitting uncontrolled fires and dispersing noxious odors, dust, mud, and dirt outside the boundaries of the landfill Because there is no present, viable plan for dealing with the radioactive leachate present and accumulating at the landfill WSL is presently in violation of a November 2023 Consent Order issued by the DEP, indicating a propensity to violate DEP regulations and permit fugitive air emissions from open-air contaminated liquids Because the permit application does not aggregate and consider changes in emissions from the Monessen Coke Works in compliance with federal regulations Improperly covered waste at Westmoreland Sanitary Landfill July 2020. Picture taken by resident. Resident Impacts from Westmoreland Sanitary Landfill My only enjoyment was sitting outside on the porch. I can’t even do that because of the smell. My quality of life is terrible. I have no quality of life here. I’m an asthmatic. So are half my neighbors. We can’t open our windows to get fresh air. We’re prisoners in our own house. ~ Carol I have garbage that flies into my yard and trees because of the landfill. The smell keeps my family and I inside most of the time because we can't enjoy the outside of our house I worked so hard to get because of the trash and horrific smell! The "air neutralizer" has not helped at all we feel. Thank you for listening. ~ Charlie Why Residents Are Concerned about the Westmoreland Sanitary Landfill In 2020, we sent out a survey to residents around the landfill. Over 150 responded citing quality of life impacts and health concerns. We shared the results of this survey with local officials and PA DEP. In fall 2021, we conducted a follow up health survey with over 100 responses. The results of this survey were shared with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). If you live near the Westmoreland Sanitary Landfill and have concerns about air quality impacts, sign up for free air monitoring today! Sign up for Air Monitoring Learn More About Leachate click images to view Download the poster Support Our Work

  • Level Green/Lyons Run Pipeline | Protect PT

    Learn more about the proposed Level Green and Lyons Run Pipeline in Level Green and Murrysville. Level Green Lyons Run Pipeline Where is this Pipeline? The Level Green and Lyons Run Pipeline, proposed by Apex WML Midstream LLC would transport unprocessed, fracked gas from the proposed Drakulic Well Pad through Level Green and Murrysville. The proposed pipeline measures 8" in diameter. Many residents have been approached about signing easements for the pipeline to run through their property. If you are approached to sign an easement, you should know: You DO NOT need to sign - you have a right to say no to putting this pipeline through your property The pipeline operator cannot take your property through Eminent Domain (this is a convenience pipeline, not a public utility) You can find out more information about the proposed pipeline and the operator Apex by downloading this slide presentation . You can also watch the video recording of the presentation on this page. Who Oversees This Pipeline? The PA DEP reviews and permits erosion and sediment control, water and wetlands, as well as temporary road crossings for construction. The Public Utility Commission (PUC) requires registration of natural gas gathering pipelines and performs inspections after the pipeline is in operation. However, it is unclear what safety requirements are in place. Protect PT is continuing to investigate. What is HDD? Horizontal Direction Drilling is method for installing underground pipelines that uses a drill on the surface (entry point drilling pit) to bore a hole into the subsurface using thousands of gallons of water and bentonite clay for lubricant. Issues with HDD: HDD can lead to inadvertent returns, where the drilling fluid returns to the surface. The release of drilling fluid can impact aquatic life and impair aquifers and drinking wells. How Close Are You? See the Level Green and Lyons Run Portions of the Pipeline by Apex WML Midstream LLC.

  • Noise monitoring | Protect PT

    Noise monitoring services for those that live close to shale gas development. What is noise monitoring? Request moise monitoring at your home here! Noise Monitoring For the lesser-known type of pollution and associated health impacts. The purpose of Protect PT’s Noise Monitoring Program is to identify baseline ambient noise levels of areas in close proximity to shale gas development. Following a baseline study, Protect PT will, to the best of our ability, conduct studies for each phase of development, including construction, drilling, and hydraulic fracturing. These studies, along with Protect PT’s, will provide homeowners with information on the changes that occur in their neighborhood as a result of shale gas development. This data can be a valuable tool for local government, residents, and industry to mitigate potential nuisance and quality of life impacts from development. Request Noise Monitoring Additional Information The EPA defines Noise Pollution as, “Unwanted or Disturbing Sound. Sound becomes unwanted when it either interferes with normal activities such as sleeping, conversation or disrupts or diminishes one’s quality of life.” Protect PT’s noise study program has been developed with the help of audiologist Cynthia McCormick Richburg, Ph.D., Professor of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Her previous studies have shown that while off-site noise levels around shale gas development are not enough to cause Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL), there are impacts to the quality of life of those who live nearby. These findings are consistent with the findings of other researchers and the EPA. The quality of life impacts includes loss of sleep, increased stress, depression, and exacerbation of existing health problems such as an increase in cardiac events. The EPA states, “Noise pollution adversely affects the lives of millions of people. Studies have shown that there are direct links between noise and health. Problems related to noise include stress-related illnesses, high blood pressure, speech interference, hearing loss, sleep disruption, and lost productivity.” According to the EPA, “levels of 55 decibels outdoors and 45 decibels indoors are identified as preventing activity interference and annoyance. These levels of noise are considered those which will permit spoken conversation and other activities such as sleeping, working, and recreation, which are part of the daily human condition”. Shale Gas Development Ambient Noise Study participants will receive final reports comparing this EPA recommendation to what has been measured during each study. Sources: https://www.epa.gov/clean-air-act-overview/clean-air-act-title-iv-noise-pollution https://archive.epa.gov/epa/aboutepa/epa-identifies-noise-levels-affecting-health-and-welfare.html This is what our sound monitors will look like in your yard! Learn More about Noise If you want to learn more about our noise, air, water, and radon monitoring, attend our quarterly Living Near Shale Gas Worksops. Learn more about these free workshops on our Living Near Shale Gas Workshop page . Upcoming Events Decibels and Hearing Loss Learn more about protecting your hearing health. Learn More Request Noise Monitoring

  • Leachate | Protect PT

    Leachate is the result of rainwater and moisture seeping through waste at a landfill and leaching chemicals, organic matter, and other particles from the waste. The leachate is then classified as residual waste at the landfill and sewage treatment plants. Leachate What is leachate? Unconventional natural gas development (fracking) produces vast amounts of waste. This waste comes in the form of brine and drill cuttings, both brought up from deep shale layers that can contain high amounts of uranium. Despite the potential presence of radioactivity, this waste is classified as residual waste and permitted to be disposed of in landfills that are intended for the collection of nonhazardous waste. Leachate is the result of rainwater and moisture seeping through waste at a landfill and leaching chemicals, organic matter, and other particles from the waste. The leachate is then classified as residual waste at the landfill and sewage treatment plants. But the leachate is not treated for potential radioactive materials, leaving concerns that discharged treated water could be polluting rivers and streams. Read Our letter to the DEP regarding the Westmoreland Sanitary Landfill's request to emit fugitive air contaminants. Download the poster Improperly covered waste at Westmoreland Sanitary Landfill July 2020. Picture taken by resident. Resident Impacts from Westmoreland Sanitary Landfill My only enjoyment was sitting outside on the porch. I can’t even do that because of the smell. My quality of life is terrible. I have no quality of life here. I’m an asthmatic. So are half my neighbors. We can’t open our windows to get fresh air. We’re prisoners in our own house. ~ Carol I have garbage that flies into my yard and trees because of the landfill. The smell keeps my family and I inside most of the time because we can't enjoy the outside of our house I worked so hard to get because of the trash and horrific smell! The "air neutralizer" has not helped at all we feel. Thank you for listening. ~ Charlie Watch the March 2021 Community Meeting Download the slides Read our letter to PA DEP Why Residents Are Concerned about the Westmoreland Sanitary Landfill In 2020, we sent out a survey to residents around the landfill. Over 150 responded citing quality of life impacts and health concerns. We shared the results of this survey with local officials and PA DEP. In fall 2021, we conducted a follow up health survey with over 100 responses. The results of this survey were shared with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). If you live near the Westmoreland Sanitary Landfill and have concerns about air quality impacts, sign up for free air monitoring today! Sign up for Air Monitoring Support Our Work

  • Emergency and disaster preparedness | Protect PT

    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

  • Environmental Reporting App | Protect PT

    Report environmental harms and observations using our mobile app report.protectpt.org. Learn more about how to use the app and shortcut to your device. Environmental Reporting App Recording Observations You can record observations at home or on the go with our environmental reporting tool (report.protectpt.org ). This mobile responsive website can be used on any device. You can record observations of environmental and health impacts and find directions on reporting these impacts to the proper agencies. You can report on: air pollution noise and nuisance related to development headaches, dizziness or other health impacts water contamination safety concerns and more! Protect PT will follow up on any reports you make through the app but will not disclose any personal information to third parties without your consent. If you have questions about using this tool, contact the Environmental Science team at enviroscience@protectpt.org . Scan the QR code with your phone to use the website like an app! Download our mobile app to home screen instructions to learn how to add a shortcut on your device How can I access the app? The "app" is actually just a mobile responsive link that works on any device. Go to report.protectpt.org to file a report anytime. What happens with my reports? The Environmental Science Team reviews all reports made through the app and will follow up with you. The app itself also directs you to file reports with the proper agencies based on your location and the type of complaint you are filing. Do I have to be a member of Protect PT to use the app? You do not have to be a member of Protect PT or be affiliated with Protect PT to use the app. You simply have to create a log in (or use your Google or Facebook login) to set up an account and file reports. If you are not a member of Protect PT but would like to support these efforts, please consider becoming a member of Protect PT . What are the terms and conditions? The app terms and conditions can be found at https://report.protectpt.org/terms.php . Support Our Work

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