Pittsburgh, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 6:00 PM, to accept testimony regarding draft effluent limits for a proposed National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit associated with the coal mining activity permit application for LCT Energy, LP’s Rustic Ridge II Mine in Westmoreland County.
The hearing will take place at St. Raymond of the Mountains Parish, 170 School House Lane, Donegal, PA 15628. DEP will present a brief overview of the draft NPDES permit and then take written and oral comments on the application.
DEP requests that individuals intending to testify submit a written notice of intent to Laina Aquiline, DEP Southwest Regional Communications Manager, at laquiline@pa.gov. Individuals attending the hearing will have the opportunity to testify if they so desire; however, individuals who preregister to testify will be given priority on the agenda. DEP will accept requests up to the day of the hearing.
DEP requests that individuals limit their testimony to three (3) minutes so that all interested participants have an opportunity to testify. DEP can only consider testimony made regarding the NPDES Permit Application No. PA0236641. All comments, whether delivered orally during the hearing or submitted in writing, will carry equal weight and consideration.
DEP requests that organizations designate one spokesperson to present testimony on its behalf. Individuals providing testimony are requested to submit a written copy of their verbal testimony by email to Lori Jenkins at lorjenkins@pa.gov after providing testimony at the hearing. Written comments will be accepted through close of business on Tuesday, June 30.
The permit application documentation and conceptual plans are available for review at the California District Mining Office, 25 Technology Drive, Coal Center, PA 15423. For further information, contact Lori Jenkins at lorjenkins@pa.gov or 724-769-1023.
Persons with a disability who require auxiliary aid, service, or other accommodations should contact Laina Aquiline at laquiline@pa.gov or 412-442-4311, or the Pennsylvania Hamilton Relay Service at 800-654-5984 to discuss how DEP can meet their needs.
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