Laurel Hill Creek in Bakersville, Western Pennsylvania was set for
protection as a "critical stream" earlier this month. In an encouraging example
of the government conserving waterways for the public good, the stream
is set to be fully protected by the Pennsylvania DEP.The stream was not threatened by pollution so much as bulk water extraction. There had been plans for the river to be used by a nearby resort as well as a supply for a bottled water operation.
Two other streams, Connoquenessing and Indian Creek, are also in consideration for the protection as a "critical stream".
In recent days we have seen the New York DEC take a clearly irresponsible position on hydrofrac natural gas drilling in watersheds and have observed the continued failure to enforce the clean water act. Seeing stories like this gives us hope that maybe these blunders are not the overall trend.
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