The Department of Environmental Protection will host a public meeting and formal public hearing on January 23, to outline and take public comment on a proposed Consent Order and Agreement with Cyprus Amax Minerals Company in Slovan, Washington County.
The proposed agreement outlines plans to sample and, if necessary, cleanup a property in Smith Township located near the site of a historical zinc smelter. The potentially affected property is currently owned by Cyprus Amax Minerals Company.
The public meeting and hearing will be held at the Smith Township municipal building, located at 1848 Smith Township State Road, Slovan, PA, 15078. The event is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m.
From 1917 to 1947, The American Zinc and Chemical Company operated a zinc smelting facility near the property. Environmental emissions controls were not required during this time period and there is concern that air emissions may have deposited metals in the soil of the surrounding area.
At the public meeting and hearing DEP and Cyprus Amax Minerals Company will explain the proposed settlement and what steps will be taken to determine if any off-site soil requires cleanup. Representatives from DEP and the company will be available to answer questions.
Those who wish to present testimony or comments during the public hearing portion of the evening should contact DEP Community Relations Coordinator John Poister at 412-442-4203 to register. There will also be an opportunity to sign up at the door prior to the hearing.
For more information, call 412-442-4000.
