Pollution Archives

State to study whether area in Laurel Highlands is ‘unsuitable’ for coal mine

Reid Frazier·August 18, 2026

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection will conduct an expansive technical review of the Rustic Ridge coal mine, studying impacts to drinking water, wildlife, and tourism.

Conservation Energy Latest Stories Pollution Recreation Water

A woman crouching by the river's edge, scooping mud into a glass jar

A river watchdog tracks pollution violations at a chemical plant

Julie Grant·August 14, 2026

The Three Rivers Waterkeeper is collecting samples from Synthomer, a chemical plant, in its effort to understand water pollution in the Mon.

Latest Stories Pollution Reporting from the Mon Water

A woman in black and a woman in white pants stand on the riverfron reading a statement

Pittsburgh-area rivers and streams see routine E. coli contamination, report finds

Rachel McDevitt·August 13, 2026

Statewide, more than half of 653 waterway sites tested had at least one day with potentially unsafe levels of the bacteria last year.

Environmental group claims DEP is falling behind reporting on underground mining damages in Pa.

Pennsylvania Capital-Star·August 7, 2026

The Citizens Coal Council says the quality of information in DEP’s latest report represents a backslide compared to previous ones.

Energy Latest Stories Pollution

A wide shot of a well pad with many trucks lined up, and a circular water containment

Pa. DEP says landfill leachate poses no health risk. Environmentalists aren’t so sure.

90.5 WESA·July 31, 2026

A citizen group based in Westmoreland County hosted a webinar to share information about what they say is the report’s incomplete investigation of the potential harm to the Commonwealth.

Energy Latest Stories Pollution

A sign for Edgar Thomson Works in front of the plant on a hazy day.

U.S. Steel shows off its newest investment to a community divided

Reid Frazier·July 24, 2026

U.S. Steel says its new hot strip mill in Braddock will improve its environmental performance and productivity by replacing an aging operation.

Carbon-Free Steel Economy Environmental Justice Latest Stories Pollution

Energy Transfer's Revolution gas processing plant

Energy Transfer seeks to expand gas plant with history of problems in Washington County

Reid Frazier·July 17, 2026

The processing station has had multiple violations since beginning operations in 2020, and is trying to expand operations.

Energy Environmental Justice Latest Stories Pollution

What you can do to protect yourself from wildfire smoke

Justin Stewart·July 15, 2026

Wildfire smoke exacerbates the air quality and poses a significant risk for people with asthma. But there are some ways to stay safe.

Health Latest Stories Pollution

Pa. Rep. Lee introduces bill to boost black lung disease payments

Julia Zenkevich·July 1, 2026

Lee put forward the Support Our Miners Act in response to resolutions from municipalities across Allegheny County and Appalachia.

Health Latest Stories Politics Pollution

Scientists have a new tool in the fight against toxic algal blooms: buoys

The Ohio Newsroom·June 29, 2026

The buoys slowly release algaecide, controlling the blooms before they ever fully form.

Username
Password
Prove your humanity 7 + 1 =
	Remember Me Lost your password?

Full Episodes

Episode for August 14, 2026

Episode for August 7, 2026

Episode for July 31, 2026

Pollution