PA Aggregates & Concrete Assn Issues Statement On Proposed DEP Permit Fee Increases

The PA Aggregates and Concrete Association Monday issued the following statement on proposed DEP permit fee increases to be considered at the Environmental Quality Board meeting Tuesday--

“The natural aggregates industry (crushed stone and sand/gravel) in Pennsylvania is the bedrock of our society. It is fundamental to modern life and drives economic prosperity.

“Natural aggregate production is utilized as inputs in commercial products, public transportation projects, residential products, engineered products in asphalt and concrete, snow and ice control, golf courses, railroad ballast, roofing granules, and a myriad of other uses. Industrial minerals are mined in each and every county in Pennsylvania, and because the cost of transporting aggregates is extremely high, the majority of aggregates are consumed within a relatively small radius of where they are extracted. Unlike some industries, the aggregates industry cannot pick up and move its operations.

“Pennsylvania is currently rated second in national production of crushed stone, according to the U.S. Geologic Survey, and consistently ranks in the top five producing states. Together with Texas and California, Pennsylvania produces over 25 percent of the nation’s crushed stone needs. The natural aggregates industry’s largest customers in Pennsylvania are PennDOT, the Turnpike Commission and local governments.

“In Pennsylvania, the natural aggregates industry itself has a $2.1 billion total economic effect and a total natural aggregates industry jobs impact of 15,112.

“Safety is of prime concern and there have been no fatal accidents in the noncoal industry since March 2015, according to the PA Department of Environmental Protection and the Mine Safety and Health Administration.

“On the agenda of the October 17, 2017 Environmental Quality Board meeting is proposed rulemaking for increasing fees for the noncoal mining program. The members of the Aggregate Advisory Board (AAB) worked together in good faith with the Department of Environmental Protection in developing a fee package that supports nearly 100 percent of the noncoal mining program.

“The fee package, approved by the AAB, is based on the Department’s financial information and is a three-phase package over six years, followed with a pricing adjustment every two years.

“The AAB-approved package also included a written commitment by the Department to resolve ten industry issues.

“As an industry, we do not agree with DEP’s business model and related costs, but we do understand the value of an efficient complement within the mining program to support industry’s needs to do business.

“We understand the need for accurate, focused training for new and transferred employees. We are willing to explore with the Department an expedited review process that would include higher fees under specific circumstances.

“We support the Department’s move to electronic permitting to allow for easier review of permit applications.

“We look forward to resolving two issues with the proposed rulemaking and moving forward in working together with the Department.”

For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the PA Aggregates and Concrete Association website.