DEP Holds Jan. 30 Meeting/Hearing On Speciality Granules' Proposed Northern Tract Quarry In Adams County

On January 28, the Department of Environmental Protection will hold a public meeting and hearing on January 30 on a noncoal surface mine permit application, and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) application for Specialty Granules LLC’s Northern Tract Quarry, located in Hamiltonban Township, Adams County.

The meeting and hearing will be held from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Fairfield Fire and EMS Building, 106 Steelman Street, Fairfield, PA 17320.

Beginning at 6:30 p.m., DEP representatives from the Cambria District Mining Office will be available to answer questions concerning the permit application. At 7:00 PM, formal comments regarding the permit applications will be accepted.

DEP conducted an initial information session and hearing on July 23, 2018. In response to questions and comments generated from that event, Specialty Granules submitted further data and information, and results of further analyses.

This second information session and hearing is being held to answer questions and receive additional comments on the applications.

Specialty Granules is proposing to conduct noncoal surface mining activities on company owned property located immediately north of its existing Charmain Plant facility, and discharge water to the Toms Creek watershed, which is designated as High Quality, Cold Water Fishes, and Migratory Fishes.

A copy of the application is available for public review at the Adams County Conservation District, 670 Old Harrisburg Road, Suite 201, Gettysburg, PA 17325. Responses to the previously submitted comments and supporting documentation is available for review on DEP’s website.

Individuals in need of an accommodation to participate in the hearing, as provided for in the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, should contact DEP’s Daniel Sammarco at 814-472-1900, or the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at 1-800-654-5984 (TDD) to discuss how DEP may accommodate your needs.

Questions should be directed to John Repetz by calling 717-705-4904 and send an email to: jrepetz@pa.gov.