An on-going project to refill an abandoned mine in Hazleton that has raised controversy over the years is back in the spotlight.
At issue, the company reclaiming the mine is asking state environmental regulators to use certain waste materials as fill.
Hazleton Creek Properties began the process of reclaiming a 277-acre site of abandoned mine in 2006, in the Crystal Ridge area of Hazleton. The company has two existing permits from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to use dredged material taken from the bottom of various bodies of water to refill the property. Now the company has applied for an additional permit.
Representatives with the company and officials from DEP held a public meeting at the Hazleton Area School District Building at the request of State Representative Todd Eachus to discuss Hazleton Creek's proposal to use waste material from construction and demolition to refill the mine.
Eachus and others are concerned about toxins in the material as well as the company's plans to dump roughly two million tons of it in a 60 acre area, which would exceed the 50-ton DEP limit.
"We don't know how dangerous. We know there's no way that can be safe, logically speaking," said Cathy Frankenberg with Clean Air Action.
DEP officials said those limits can be exceeded if it is proved necessary to the project.
Mark McClellan, president of Evergreen Environmental, Inc. is a consultant for Hazleton Creek Properties. "The point is, we're trying to remediate and reclaim this site as soon as possible. The more material we get and the quicker, the better," said McClellan.
Dozens of workers employed by the project attended the meeting, far outweighing those opposed to the permit.
Mayor Lou Barletta, who has supported the project from the start, said plans to put a 20,000 seat amphitheater on the site are still in place. "I believe this is a beneficial use, a way that we can address the abandoned mines," said Barletta.
DEP is still reviewing the application. The 30-day public comment period will close next Monday, November 23. Afterwards, DEP will make a decision on whether to approve the permit.
At issue, the company reclaiming the mine is asking state environmental regulators to use certain waste materials as fill.
Hazleton Creek Properties began the process of reclaiming a 277-acre site of abandoned mine in 2006, in the Crystal Ridge area of Hazleton. The company has two existing permits from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to use dredged material taken from the bottom of various bodies of water to refill the property. Now the company has applied for an additional permit.
Representatives with the company and officials from DEP held a public meeting at the Hazleton Area School District Building at the request of State Representative Todd Eachus to discuss Hazleton Creek's proposal to use waste material from construction and demolition to refill the mine.
Eachus and others are concerned about toxins in the material as well as the company's plans to dump roughly two million tons of it in a 60 acre area, which would exceed the 50-ton DEP limit.
"We don't know how dangerous. We know there's no way that can be safe, logically speaking," said Cathy Frankenberg with Clean Air Action.
DEP officials said those limits can be exceeded if it is proved necessary to the project.
Mark McClellan, president of Evergreen Environmental, Inc. is a consultant for Hazleton Creek Properties. "The point is, we're trying to remediate and reclaim this site as soon as possible. The more material we get and the quicker, the better," said McClellan.
Dozens of workers employed by the project attended the meeting, far outweighing those opposed to the permit.
Mayor Lou Barletta, who has supported the project from the start, said plans to put a 20,000 seat amphitheater on the site are still in place. "I believe this is a beneficial use, a way that we can address the abandoned mines," said Barletta.
DEP is still reviewing the application. The 30-day public comment period will close next Monday, November 23. Afterwards, DEP will make a decision on whether to approve the permit.
