On May 18, the Department of Environmental Protection announced it will host a virtual public hearing on June 2, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., to take testimony from interested parties regarding a permit modification application by Hercules Cement Quarry, Inc. to expand its operations in Stockertown, Northampton County.

The application under review by the department’s Pottsville District Mining Office is a modification to Hercules’ existing Surface Mine Permit No.7473SM2 and renewal of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit.

The proposed expansion involves a request to mine to 0 feet Mean Sea Level (MSL) from its existing level of 50 feet MSL in the eastern part of the quarry pit.

Those wishing to register for the virtual public hearing can contact Colleen Connolly, community relations coordinator, DEP’s Northeast Regional Office in Wilkes-Barre at 570-826-2035 or by email: coconnolly@pa.gov. 

Please indicate if you wish to offer testimony or log on as an observer. Registration for the virtual hearing will end 24 hours before the scheduled date and time. Testimony will be limited to the quarry expansion project only.

Click Here to register to join the hearing via WebEx. The hearing is also available via conference call: +1-415-655-0003.  Access Code: 132 083 4525.

All comments, whether delivered orally during the virtual hearing or submitted in writing to RA-EPPENNEAST@pa.gov,  carry equal weight and consideration with DEP. Written comments will be accepted until the close of business on Wednesday, June 16, 2021, by 4:00 PM.

DEP will prepare a comment/response document in regard to the public comments.

Questions should be directed to Colleen Connolly, community relations coordinator, DEP’s Northeast Regional Office in Wilkes-Barre at 570-826-2035 or by email: coconnolly@pa.gov. 

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

[Posted: May 19, 2021]

5/24/2021