Pittsburgh, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will hold a public information meeting to answer questions and provide information on the proposed Maggie Lynn underground mine. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Deemston Borough Municipal Building at 1622 Morey Road, Fredericktown, PA 15333.
Neiswonger Construction, Inc. is proposing a new, noncoal, underground mine and has applied for a mining permit and water discharge permit from DEP. The 336.7-acre mine is proposed to be located along both sides of Morey Road (State Route 2041), south of Buckingham Road (State Route 2024), north of Pump Station Road, and north and east of Arnold Road (T-648) in Deemston Borough, Washington County.
If approved by DEP, the proposed Maggie Lynn Underground Mine permit would include and replace the existing Maggie Lynn Quarry surface mining permit [No. 63100401] and its associated individual National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit [PA0252034], which were originally issued October 4, 2012. Neiswonger Construction, Inc. proposes that the site would discharge treated water (after settling of sediment) into Tenmile Creek. The creek is classified as a trout-stocked fishery within the Monongahela River Watershed.
The proposed location of this mine is within a half mile of East Bethlehem Township, which is an environmental justice (EJ) area. When this type of permit is submitted for an EJ area, DEP engages in enhanced public outreach, including having additional environmental justice staff on site to meet with stakeholders and residents.
Representatives from DEP will present information on the proposed activity and answer questions. DEP staff will also explain the permit application review process. DEP is currently reviewing the application to determine if the proposed activity complies with state laws and regulations applicable to noncoal underground mining.
Individuals who want to participate or listen to the meeting should register through DEP’s community information webpage for this project at least 24 hours in advance. Those with questions on the meeting should contact Amelia Benson at acbenson@pa.gov or 412-442-4290.
A copy of the permit application is available for review at DEP’s New Stanton District Mining Office, 131 Broadview Road, New Stanton, PA 15672 (call 724-925-5500 to reserve time) and the Washington County Conservation District, 50 Old Hickory Ridge Road, Suite 1, Washington, PA 15301 (call 724-705-7098 to reserve time). The application and more information on the proposed noncoal surface mine can also be found on DEP’s community information page for this project linked above.
For more information on the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, please visit the website or follow DEP on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn
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