Lower Yough among most dangerous rivers

By the Mon Valley Independent

A national river conservation organization recently named the Lower Youghiogheny River among America’s most dangerous rivers.

American Rivers listed the Lower Yough River as No. 10, citing the looming threat of “destructive, unconventional natural gas drilling operations and proposed power generation facilities to water quality and river health,” a press release states. 

American Rivers and its partners urged Gov. Tom Wolf to take action to protect the Youghiogheny River’s natural, scenic, historic and aesthetic values, and preserve the economic and environmental benefits the river provides to the Western Pennsylvania region.

“This is like David versus Goliath, big industry with deep pockets versus the local citizens and their financially strained local governments,” said Scott Taylor, president of Protect Elizabeth Township, a local grassroots community organization focused on advocating for protection of resident rights while striving to help build a better community. “There is such a flurry of permitting and rezoning activity, so many environmental violations and concerns, it’s time to pause and assess the impacts to our communities and our health.”