DEP Invites Comments On Proposed Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act Interim Response At Tub Mill Farm, Clearview Farm Waste Site, Somerset County

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the December 21 PA Bulletin inviting comments on a proposed interim Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act response at the Tub Mill Farm and Clearview Farm waste site in Elk Lick Township, Somerset County.  (PA Bulletin, page 8346)

The Site consists of two parcels containing, among other waste, thousands of chemically treated utility poles and railroad ties. 

Utility poles and railroad ties have historically been treated with one of three main types of heavy-duty wood preservatives: chromated arsenical, creosote, and pentachlorophenol. 

Direct contact with and the leaching of these chemicals pose a human health and environmental risk. 

Additionally, the potential for aerosolized particles also poses a human health risk if the piles were to catch fire.

The primary objective of the project is to remove hazardous material at the Site consisting of, but not limited to, utility poles, railroad ties, and contaminated soils.

Comments are due March 21, 2025.

Read the entire PA Bulletin notice for instructions on how to review the proposed interim response and submit comments.   (PA Bulletin, page 8346)

Questions should be directed to Lauren Camarda at (412) 442-4203 or lcamarda@pa.gov.

For more information on environmental programs in Pennsylvania, visit DEP’s website.  Submit Environmental Complaints; Click Here to sign up for DEP’s newsletter; sign up for DEP’s eNotice; Like DEP on Facebook, Follow DEP on Twitter and visit DEP’s YouTube Channel.

[Posted: December 20, 2024]  PA Environment Digest