Kanjorski Sends Letter to DEP Requesting Rejection of Permit for Hazleton Creek Properties

By THE OFFICE OF CONGRESSMAN PAUL KANJORSKI (D-11)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (PA-11) sent a letter to Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary John Hanger requesting that he reject the new permit application submitted by Hazleton Creek Properties for reclamation using river dredge and construction demolition materials. Congressman Kanjorski called for such action because the project is experimental and potentially harmful to the community.

“Before DEP should approve this project, it must address the environmental impact on the location around the site, and of the potentially harmful effects to workers and residents in the area,” said Congressman Kanjorski. “The use of construction demolition materials is experimental, and a permit for such action has never before taken place in Pennsylvania. Additionally, a recent study has raised concerns about groundwater at the site. I understand that many workers rely on this project for jobs, but we must ensure those workers are safe and that this project will not negatively impact their health as well as the health of others in the area before it moves forward.”

The text of Congressman Kanjorski’s letter to Secretary Hanger from November 23 follows:

Dear Secretary Hanger:

The purpose of this letter is to provide comments regarding my opposition to the permitting of a project proposed by Hazleton Creek Properties, LLC using an experimental mix of river dredge and construction demolition materials. I appreciate your attention to my concerns.

It is my understanding that Hazleton Creek Properties has applied to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for a permit to allow the company to use a combination of river dredge and construction material as fill in reclaiming a former mine pit in Hazleton. This new permit is in addition to two prior permits issued by DEP to allow Hazleton Creek Properties to use river dredge and fly ash to reclaim the site.

Although I had concerns about the previous permits that DEP issued to Hazleton Creek Properties, the uses of those permits had previously been permitted in Pennsylvania and utilized at other mine reclamation sites. It is my understanding, however, that the new permit application submitted by Hazleton Creek Properties is for reclamation using river dredge and construction demolition materials, which is experimental. It is also my understanding that if approved, this would be the first permit for this type of reclamation issued in Pennsylvania and possibly the first in the country. I have serious concerns about allowing these materials to be used at the Hazleton site without properly ensuring that they are not hazardous to the community.

Moreover, I was recently contacted by Citizen Advocates United to Safeguard the Environment (CAUSE), Inc. This organization shared with me information that was provided by Mr. Robert Gadinski, a PA Licensed Professional Geologist. CAUSE contracted with Mr. Gadinski to review the groundwater monitoring system at the site. It is my understanding that Mr. Gadinski found that the groundwater monitoring system is inadequate. In addition, Mr. Gadinski’s report also shows that he found that groundwater at the site had elevated pH levels and elevated levels of arsenic. I have enclosed a copy of the report for your review.

From my perspective, DEP should reject this permit request because the project is experimental and potentially harmful to the community. In addition, I believe that DEP should address the findings of CAUSE and Mr. Gadinski before approving any additional reclamation activities at the Cranberry Creek site.

Again, thank you for your consideration of my comments. Please feel free to contact me with any questions and concerns.

Sincerely,

Paul E. Kanjorski

Member of Congress

CC: Pennsylvania House Majority Leader Todd Eachus

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