This platform is built on a single principle: every number you see here traces directly back to a public document. No estimates, no projections, no advocacy framing — just publicly filed records, made readable.

About This Platform

knowyourtwp.org is an independent civic education resource created to give Indiana Township residents an accessible overview of local development activity, stormwater obligations, and conservation history. By translating dense governmental records into plain-language summaries and interactive tools, this site aims to foster greater civic awareness and informed community discussion.

Core Principles

• Objectivity First: This platform does not advocate for specific political agendas, policies, or candidates. Data is presented neutrally to allow residents to draw their own conclusions.
• Radical Transparency: Every chart, figure, and summary on this site is directly traceable back to an official public record.
• Accessibility: Government accounting and environmental permitting can be complex. This site simplifies navigation so everyday residents can see what's happening in their township.

Primary Data Sources

• Pennsylvania DEP eFACTS — NPDES permits, earth disturbance permits, and permit status information
• Pennsylvania DEP Permit Tracker — permit-license-status.pa.gov
• Indiana Township meeting minutes and planning commission records — sourced from indianatownship.com
• Allegheny County Recorder of Deeds — deed records including the 1972 Emmerling conveyance (Vol. 5156)
• PA DEP Section 303(d) Impaired Waters List — waterway impairment status

Analytical Approach

• Permit Tracking: Permit status reflects the most recently verified information from PA DEP's public systems. A "last verified" date is shown on all permit data.
• Development Tracking: Unit counts, acreage, and approval status are sourced from township planning commission minutes and DEP permit applications.

Corrections

If you detect a discrepancy between information on this site and an official public document, please contact us at info@knowyourtwp.org with the specific document citation. Verified corrections are reflected at the next update cycle with the date noted.

Community Outreach

This platform operates in connection with the Friends of Emmerling community initiative, which uses the Instagram handle @friendsofemmerling to highlight public land preservation efforts, local history, and community updates aligned with the civic legacy of Dr. John F. Emmerling.