Local Creek In Danger

Laurel Hill Creek in Somerset County has been rated No. 7 in America's Most Endangered Rivers this year by conservation group American Rivers It made the list because of the amount of water that is being withdrawn from local businesses, particularly two ski resorts and a water bottling company. It is designated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection as a "high quality cold water fishery." However, Youghiogheny Riverkeeper Krissy Kasserman says last summer the flow was low enough to endanger many fish that inhabit the water; there wasn't enough room for them to live or reproduce. As of now, the DEP has nominated Laurel Hill Creek as a "critical water planning area." Kasserman says the designation would give the creek the careful regulation it needs.