Become a member and increase our ability to fulfill our mission to ensure the safety, security, and quality of life for our community.   Membership Support Education and Advocacy Why Become a Member: Your membership gives you exclusive news and information about our ongoing educational and advocacy efforts in the community. As a member, you are also invited to vote for our board members every year. By becoming a member, you are ensuring that we have the legal standing needed to continue advocating for your rights and the rights of your community. Every membership increases our ability to fulfill our mission to ensure the safety, security, and quality of life for our community. Membership is $25/year for a household, or $10/year for an individual. Contact noah@protectpt.org with any questions regarding membership. Managing Your Membership 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. Already a member but want to give? Donate Today! Don't want to donate online? Send a check to: Protect PT 3344 Route 130 PO BOX 137 Harrison City, PA 15636 Don't forget your membership form if you are a new member! Cut it in half and give the other side to a friend! Member Testimonials Saving the Quarry Sanctuary in Jeanette "The land I love so dearly is in danger of being poisoned by the petrochemical industry." Read laZae's compelling story about protecting her family's land with the help of Protect PT. - laZae Go to Fighting for Clean Air and Water in Plum "I knew in my gut [the terrible chemical smell] had to be related to the well activity, but needed help to understand all the impacts. That’s when I turned to Protect PT." Katie tells her story about how an injection well in Plum propelled her into action. - Katie Go to Protecting our Kids From Pollution "Gillian and I moved to Trafford because it looked like an amazing place to raise our family. Almost immediately, we found ourselves fighting to keep the air clean and safe for our kids." Read Ryan's story about protecting what matters most: his children. - Ryan Go to

Unconventional oil and gas waste contains several harmful and often radioactive constituents that can pollute waterways in cases of spills or leaks. While the industry touts this method of transportation as a way to reduce truck traffic, vehicle exhaust, road damage, etc. the transportation of this waste on rivers is poorly regulated and increases the risk of leaks or chemical spills right into major bodies of water. Many of these rivers are sources of drinking water.  Waste Barging Why is Waste Barging such an issue? Unconventional oil and gas waste contains several harmful and often radioactive constituents that can pollute waterways in cases of spills or leaks. While the industry touts this method of transportation as a way to reduce truck traffic, vehicle exhaust, road damage, etc. the transportation of this waste on rivers is poorly regulated and increases the risk of leaks or chemical spills right into major bodies of water. Many of these rivers are sources of drinking water. The potential for a spill is enormous, and the consequences could be catastrophic. A single barge can hold approximately 24,000 barrels of toxic, radioactive waste, and there is no limit to the number of toxic barges that could be traversing the Ohio River each day. (Read more on the blog by Concerned Ohio River Residents .) Drilling and fracking wastewater contains salty brines, drilling and fracking chemicals and naturally occurring radioactive material flushed from shale formations thousands of feet underground. Radium-226 and radium-228, both found in brine waste, are known carcinogens and can cause bone, liver and breast cancer in high concentrations, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The wastewater can also contain other radioactive components, including Potassium 40, Thorium 232, and Uranium 238. Groups from PA and OH have been working together to raise awareness and address the potential of barging fracking waste down the three rivers (the Monongahela, Allegheny and Ohio). Together, we submitted a petition with over 15,750 signatures to the United States Coast Guard asking them to deny any and all authorizations for barging fracking waste down the rivers. You can read the full petition linked on this page. Read more about waste barging in an article published by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Waste Barging Petition Want to get involved? Contact info@protectpt.org to find out how you can help. Watch Parts 1 and 2 of the Better Path Presents webinar on Waste Barging and What You can do Support Our Work

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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.

About Us Proposed to support the increased power load to data centers, the Kammer-Juniata line would cut across 222 miles from the panhandle of West Virginia to Central Pennsylvania. The developers have petitioned the state to receive eminent domain to facilitate its construction, all while subsidizing its cost using our tax dollars and raising utility costs. Kammer-Juniata High Voltage Power Line Proposed Map Image Source: Mountain Watershed Association Subscribe to our emails Join the Facebook Group! Learn More about Transmission Lines Engage with your municipality to advocate for your protections!

Proposed Springdale Data Center Latest News Air Pollution Dispersion Map Sign up for Email Updates SAVE (Save Allegheny Valley Environment) Springdale Resident Meetings Date : Every Wednesday Time : 7 PM - 8:30 PM Location : From Italy Pizza Restaurant 1115 Lincoln Ave, Springdale, PA 15144 Located at the site of a former coal plant, the Springdale data center project is backed by Davidson Kempner Capital Management, a large hedge fund manager. This project would pull about 350 MW from the grid. Located in the middle of town, it is in close proximity to homes and businesses. This data center received conditional use approval from the Borough Council in December 2025. Now, the developer has applied to Allegheny County for land development approval. We expect a public hearing to take place in Fall 2026. Save Allegheny Valley Environmental, or SAVE, is a local community group opposing this project.

What you should know before leasing your land to gas and oil production/exploration? We have resources and templates you can use to make an educated decision about leasing. What You Should Know Before Signing a Lease You should seriously consider consulting an attorney knowledgeable in this particular area of law as well as your mortgage lender and homeowner's insurance carrier as your decision to sign may affect your ability to refinance, sell, or be covered for any damages related to drilling. Pennsylvania does not currently have automatic forced pooling (the act of being forced by state law into participation in an oil and/or gas producing unit) and it is very difficult, and impossible in many circumstances, for companies to use this controversial legal tool to gain access to minerals beneath your property. The promise of income for your family for generations is often exaggerated and there are hidden fees, taxes, deductions etc. See a list of questions to ask before signing from our partners at Environmental Integrity Project Other Concerns Associated With Unconventional Gas Development Nuisance: Fracking is a heavy industrial process. Each well requires thousands of truck trips and results in significant noise. Drilling operations continue 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and require substantial lighting and produces tons of waste. Fire & Explosions: There is always the potential for fire and explosions with the nature of natural gas production and the evacuation area on an unconventional gas well is typically a 1/2 mile radius from the well. Water & Air Pollution: According to the DEP, in 2014 more than 240 private water supplies were said to have been damaged by oil and gas operations during the past seven years. Streams and tributaries are also at risk from contamination due to spills or regurgitation of flow back from slick water hydraulic fracturing. Residents living less than 1⁄2 mile from wells are at greater risk for health effects from exposure to air pollutants during well completion activities due to exposure to toxic chemicals released during the process. Property Value Depreciation: All of the above concerns are issues that can affect property values. Property values will also be affected by whether or not the mineral rights have been severed from the surface rights, whether the mineral rights can be or are leased to an oil & gas company, and problems obtaining mortgages and insurance coverage. Part of Protect PT's mission is to protect the rights of the entire community, if you have questions or want us to put you in contact with legal experts who may be able to help you, please contact us. Contact Us Canvass Your Neighborhood If oil and gas companies are approaching you and your neighbors about leasing it is important that everyone is aware of what it will entail. If you would like to share this information you can canvass your area with this printable "Think Before You Sign A Lease" door hanger. Click the image to the right for the PDF. Some Research To Do Before Signing Always consult an attorney knowledgable in this area of law before signing ANYTHING! Call your mortgage lender and home owner's insurance- your decision to sign may affect refinancing, selling, or damage coverage related to drilling. The promise of income for your family is often exaggerated and there are hidden fees, taxes, deductions, etc... ALL of your neighbors have NOT signed; gas cannot be extracted from your land without your permission. High Volume Hydraulic Fracturing is a heavy industrial process- do your homework before you sign away your rights. Denying a Lease For a sample letter you can use to deny gas companies the leasing of your mineral rights, download below. Additional Sources Mortgage Lenders on Fracking

Solar in Rural Communities Sign-up for Email Updates Upcoming Events Affordable, Safe Energy From the Sun Did you know that just one hour of noontime summer sun is equal to the entire annual U.S. electricity demand? Harnessing this plentiful, constant resource allows us to generate reliable electricity for our communities and reduce our environmental impact. Over the past decade, solar energy has seen great technological advancements, with costs falling by about 90% while panel efficiency improves to over 20%. For homeowners, this means it takes about 7-10 years to break even on a home solar system investment. Once the payback period is over, homeowners enjoy free or reduced electricity costs, with panels providing free power for 15-20 years after they have paid themselves off. For electric utility providers, this means that solar panels are now the quickest and cheapest form of energy generation to install. And for farmers, starting to practice agrivoltaics is more accessible than ever. Agrivoltaics is the practice of co-locating agricultural production with solar energy generation on the same land. Farmers can do this with crops, livestock (as seen above), greenhouses, or pollinator habitats. This dual use of property generates stable income for farmers and can even result in crop benefits like increased yield and reduced water loss. While research is ongoing, current findings demonstrate that vegetables and berries are some of the most suitable crops for agrivoltaics. Check Out Our Fact Sheet! Watch our Webinar! Resources Check out Solar United Neighbors , a national organization conducting solar advocacy and helping homeowners go solar to save on their electric bills. PA Solar Center helps nonprofits and small businesses go solar. They also offer this online resource hub , which contains a qualified solar developer directory. Read this white paper from PennFuture on solar development in Pennsylvania to learn about solar benefits for communities, common myths about solar, and solar policy. The U.S. Department of Energy has a page describing the benefits of residential solar electricity and how to plan and finance your home solar system. If there's one thing most Pennsylvanians can agree on, it's that their electric bills are too high. Electricity costs have skyrocketed over the past five years, rising on average by 46 percent since 2018. To help combat rising energy costs, the PA Solar Center and Solar United Neighbors have joined together to create a new campaign – Energy Independence for Pennsylvania (EI4PA). And they are looking for volunteers like you to help them promote the cost-saving benefits of solar! Opportunities range from in-person presentations to posting to social media from the comfort of your own home. Learn More Here

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

The Plum Injection Well is situated near the Allegheny River, the drinking water source for the city of Pittsburgh and surrounding communities. A leak from the injection well could impact hundreds of thousands of residents. Plum Injection Well Plum Zoning Hearing Board Meeting Protect PT has been advocating for Plum Borough's access to clean air and water ever since Penneco started operating their first gas waste injection well. Penneco applied for a second well permit not even a year after Sedat 3A began accepting waste in 2021. Almost 3 years after Protect PT and Three Rivers Waterkeepers appealed the Plum Borough Zoning Hearing Board's decision to allow a second well, the courts have handed the decision back down to the ZHB. This site was not approved. Fracking Waste Disposal Injection Well Threatens Pittsburgh’s Drinking Water: The Plum Injection Well is situated near the Allegheny River, the drinking water source for the city of Pittsburgh and surrounding communities. A leak from the injection well could impact hundreds of thousands of residents. “We feel vindicated in pressing forward and insisting that they, the Plum Zoning Hearing Board, take into consideration the health and safety of the community in their decision,” said Gillian Graber, Executive Director of Protect PT. “Like many municipalities facing the tremendous pressure from the industry, the Plum Borough Zoning Hearing Board believed it had no other option but to approve this new well, but townships and municipalities across Pennsylvania can take heart that there are remedies in the law for municipalities to stop this unwanted development,” said James Cirilano, Protect PT’s Community Advocate. Clean Water Act Click to view the full document Learn More About The Risks In spite of the lack of community support, PA DEP and EPA approved the Sedat 3A Injection Well. This well began accepting fracking waste in 2021. Currently, Penneco is seeking to add a second injection well to the site. This new well is called Sedat 4A. Plum Borough and Protect PT Challenge Injection Well In January 2022, the Plum Borough Zoning Hearing Board reluctantly approved the Sedat 4A Injection Well. Plum Borough appealed the decision of their own Zoning Hearing Board in a unique case. Protect PT filed joined the appeal in support of residents in Plum. In January of 2024, Protect PT successfully appealed the Zoning Hearing Board's Decision to approve the Sedat 4A Injection Well. Upon their reconsideration of the decision, the Plum Borough Zoning Hearing Board moved to deny the application to develop the Sedat 4A Injection Well. But Penneco won't take "No" for an answer and has appealed the Zoning Hearing Board's decision, citing bias against the developer from Plum Borough. In 2026, Protect PT is continuing to litigate on behalf of Plum Borough and its residents' health and well-being. Appeals require paying for expert witnesses and other legal fees. Your donation of any amount helps us challenge this injection well. Support the Appeal! Protecting Plum Borough Following our successful appeal of the Plum Zoning Hearing Board's (ZHB) approval the Sedat 4A Injection Well, the Plum ZHB has issued a new decision. In support of Plum residents' health and well-being, the Plum ZHB has ultimately elected to deny Penneco's application to develop the Sedat 4A Injection Well. But our work isn't over yet. Penneco has appealed the Plum ZHB's decision to deny their application, citing that the harmful impacts of the Sedat 3A on Plum residents are speculative, and that the decision is the result of bias from the township. This marks yet another effort by the oil and gas industry to undermine the will of the people and the systems that protect them. Read our blog to learn more, and support our defense of Plum Borough! Penneco Won't Take "No" For an Answer They want profits, we want good health. On February 4th, the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas heard arguments in Penneco Environmental Solutions, LLC v. The Zoning Hearing Board of the Borough of Plum . Protect PT intervened in this case to protect Plum Borough’s residents from a second fracking waste injection well that is expected to increase water contamination, air pollution, diesel fumes, and the frequency of noisy, industrial tanker trucks. After the Zoning Hearin Gillian Graber Residents share their experiences: Residents have reported horrible smells and pollution, excessive noise and truck traffic, water contamination and health impacts from the Sedat 3A Injection Well in Plum. Several residents have expressed concerns about the proposed Sedat 4A Injection Well, which would be located at the same site as the existing well. Katie shows reporters bottles of her water before and after the first injection well started. Read the letter to Gov. Wolf regarding the revocation of Plum Injection Well permit and the risks of the project on the public. Read the letter from the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority and the Mayor written to Governor Wolf requesting that he intervene in the Plum Injection Well to protect Pittsburgh's water. Protect PT's Environmental Science team conducting water monitoring around the Plum Injection Well: 1/8 Donate to Protect Clean Water

Protect PT's first priority is serving the needs of our community. Read testimonials from local members. Member Testimonials Saving the Quarry Sanctuary in Jeanette December 2023 "The land I love so dearly is in danger of being poisoned by the petrochemical industry." Read laZae's compelling story about protecting her family's land with the help of Protect PT. From: laZae Read the Letter Fighting for Clean Air and Water in Plum December 2022 "I knew in my gut [the terrible chemical smell] had to be related to the well activity, but needed help to understand all the impacts. That’s when I turned to Protect PT." Join Katie as she tells her story about how an injection well in Plum propelled her into action! From: Katie Read the Letter Protecting our Kids From Pollution July 2022 "Gillian and I moved to Trafford because it looked like an amazing place to raise our family. Almost immediately, we found ourselves fighting to keep the air clean and safe for our kids." Read Ryan's story about protecting what matters most: his children. From: Ryan Read the Letter Support Our Work

Sustainability While Protect PT has primarily focused our efforts towards preventing unconventional oil and gas development (UOGD) in Westmoreland and Allegheny Counties, we also aim to facilitate and develop alternative sustainable energy solutions within our communities. This dual-sided approach is represented by Promote PT, signifying our wish to not just protect our communities but promote a better future for them. 01 Re-Imagine Turtle Creek Watershed and Airshed Communities (TCWAC) The communities of the Turtle Creek watershed and airshed have come together to demand sustainable change to protect the interconnected water and airsheds that encompass these connected communities. LEARN MORE 02 Promote PT While Protect PT has primarily focused our efforts towards preventing unconventional oil and gas development (UOGD), we also aim to facilitate and develop alternative sustainable energy solutions within our communities. This dual-sided approach is represented by Promote PT, signifying our wish to not just protect our communities but promote a better future for them. 03 Municipal Sustainability Project Small towns and rural communities throughout the United States are looking for ways to strengthen their economies, provide better quality of life, and build on local assets. LEARN MORE SUPPORT OUR WORK