THE IMPACT
WHY THE TURNPIKE MOUNTAIN CUT IS HARMFUL
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
The proposed Gray Cut would destroy critical wildlife habitats, disrupt migration patterns, and endanger species that rely on the unspoiled wilderness of the Allegheny Mountain. The natural springs and deep wells that provide clean water to nearby communities and are at risk of being polluted or permanently altered by the construction. The project will lead to the removal of forest stand and the displacement of massive amounts of soil and sediment that can never be reestablished or replaced. This irreversible destruction will not only harm local wildlife but will also reduce recreational opportunities and threaten traditions such as hunting and fishing opportunities, which are vital to the region’s outdoor lifestyle.
ECOSYSTEM DISRUPTION
The Allegheny Mountain region is home to numerous species of plants and animals, many of which are already vulnerable or endangered. The proposed construction will fragment these habitats, making it difficult for wildlife to find food, shelter, and mates. This fragmentation can lead to a decline in biodiversity and the disruption of delicate ecological balances.
THREAT TO THE STONYCREEK RIVER WATERSHED
Significant resources, including millions of dollars, have been invested in restoring the Stonycreek River watershed over the past decades, as documented in the Stonycreek River Watershed Reassessment by the Somerset County Conservation District (May 2008). The Gray Cut project jeopardizes these efforts, and the current stakeholders involved. Beyond the Stonycreek River, other neighboring watersheds, including the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River and the Indian Lake Watersheds, are also at risk due to the Allegheny Mountain Tunnel’s unique location at a triple watershed divide.
WATER POLLUTION
Construction activities associated with the turnpike expansion will significantly increase the risk of soil erosion and sedimentation in nearby streams and rivers. This erosion can lead to water quality degradation, harming aquatic life and affecting the availability of clean water for local communities. The increased runoff from paved surfaces carries pollutants such as oil, heavy metals, and other toxic substances into water bodies, further impacting the health of our waterways within the Stonycreek River watershed.
The Stonycreek River and its tributaries have been the focus of extensive restoration efforts over the years, aimed at improving water quality, habitat conditions, and overall ecological health. These efforts have included reducing acid mine drainage, reforesting riparian zones, and restoring trout populations. The proposed turnpike expansion threatens to undo these years of hard work and investment.
Large-scale construction projects like the turnpike expansion result in the removal of vegetation and the disruption of soil structure, leading to increased runoff and erosion. When rainwater runs off these disturbed areas, it can carry sediment and pollutants into the Stonycreek River and its tributaries. Sediment can smother aquatic habitats, reduce water clarity, and interfere with the feeding and breeding of fish and other aquatic organisms. Pollutants such as oil, grease, heavy metals, and chemicals from construction materials can further degrade water quality, making it unsafe for wildlife and humans alike.
COMMUNITY DISPLACEMENT & DISRUPTION
The expansion project may require the acquisition of private properties and the displacement of families and businesses. This not only disrupts lives but also erodes the fabric of our community. The noise and air pollution from increased traffic will further diminish the quality of life for those living near the expanded turnpike.
The noise, dust, and heavy machinery involved in this large-scale construction project would disrupt the lives of local residents and visitors who cherish the peace and quiet of the mountain. The project could also drive away the wildlife that is integral to the outdoor lifestyle enjoyed by many in the area. The project will disrupt local communities by affecting the water supply for residents who rely on wells and natural springs. The potential contamination of these water sources poses serious health risks, particularly for those who rely on them for daily use. The Berlin Borough’s water supply is at grave risk, creating widespread concern among residents about the long-term sustainability of their water resources.
The Allegheny Mountain is more than just a physical barrier; it is a symbol of our region’s natural heritage and beauty. The proposed Gray Cut would leave a permanent scar on the landscape, turning a scenic and serene environment into a man-made eyesore.
ECONOMIC COSTS
While proponents of the expansion argue that it will boost the local economy, the long-term environmental and social costs far outweigh any short-term economic gains. The funds allocated for this project could be better spent on sustainable infrastructure improvements that benefit all residents without compromising our region’s natural heritage.
