Chevron Appalachia, LLC has approached the borough of West Newton for a right-of-way agreement to establish a new surface water withdrawal from the Yough. According to two West Newton council members, Chevron has stated the surface withdrawal will provide up to 1 million gallons of water per day to each of seven wells in South Huntingdon. A meeting will be held at the West Newton Borough Building (112 South Water St.) this coming Monday, March 6th at 6PM for residents to ask questions and offer comments.
Chevron has not submitted a detailed proposal for this planned withdrawal as of this writing. Therefore, no detailed analysis on the potential environmental impacts has been presented to the Borough Council. “The fresh water line has not yet been designed as that is the next step after securing all of the land agreements and rights of way,” Chevron representative Brenda Consola said in a recent Herald-Standard article. “The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection will govern and determine the water withdrawal criteria.”
Noise pollution generated by the required pumping system is another necessary consideration. Although Chevron has downplayed this issue stating noise would be “equivalent to the current vehicle traffic on the adjacent Sutersville Road,” no sound study has been submitted to the borough. Without this crucial information being supplied in writing, it is impossible for local elected officials to make an informed decision regarding the well-being of their community.
Monday’s scheduled meeting is an excellent opportunity for residents and river enthusiasts alike to rally in support of the Yough.  We encourage you to attend and voice your concerns regarding this proposal. Contact Krissy for more information.