Pennsylvania’s Dept. of Environmental Protection has agreed to a question-and-answer session with western Schuylkill County residents over their pollution concerns.
Schuylkill County Commissioners reported at their Work Session meeting last week that they recently met with officials at DEP’s Wilkes-Barre office via Zoom. During the online meeting, the Commissioners said they reminded the state officials that they agreed to meet with concerned residents.
No official date for this meeting has been set. The Commissioners expect to hear back on a firm date from DEP in about 2-3 weeks. Chairman Larry Padora said the meeting will likely either be in Tremont or Hegins.
“Hopefully, in 2-3 weeks, we’ll have a date and time of where it’s going to be,” Padora said.
Western Schuylkill County residents have been anticipating a potential meeting with DEP officials to express their frustrations over companies they believe are polluting their environment, including Natural Soil Products, Liberty Processing and Soils, Stavola, and more.
New concerns are also emerging about the potential for a massive new landfill at Blackwood in Reilly Township, though nothing is official about that right now.
These residents have continually brought their frustrations to local officials who say they’re mostly powerless in regard to these companies and have pointed the finger at DEP and state officials as the ones who may have answers they’re seeking.
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Timothy Stine
September 10, 2024 at 3:28 pm
Thanks coal region canary for doing the investigating and journalism on issues that that matter to Schuylkill county citizens
Melinda
September 13, 2024 at 7:45 am
It’s about time DEP got around to at least “agreeing” to meet with West End homeowners. DEP met with county commissioners 5 months ago behind closed doors! Why the delay meeting with homeowners, dragging their feet? Why aren’t other elected officials placing more pressure on DEP to step up and do their job of “environmental protection”- State Senator Dave Argall, State Reps Joanne Stehr, Tim Twardzick, Jamie Barton, + Dane Watro? You are there to represent, we, the People. Thank you, Canary, for your reporting, very much appreciated!