Public Meeting and Hearing on Synagro NPDES permit
Public Meeting and Hearing Regarding a Draft NPDES Permit to Authorize the Discharge of Stormwater Associated with Industrial Activities to Waters of the Commonwealth
The Department of Environmental Protection will host a public hearing regarding a revised draft National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit (Permit No. PA0276120) to authorize the discharge of stormwater associated with industrial activities to waters of the Commonwealth from a biosolids processing facility to be constructed on the property located at 2100 Block of Pen Argyl Road in Pen Argyl, Northampton County, by Slate Belt Heat Recovery Center, LLC, 435 Williams Court, Suite 100, Baltimore, MD 21220.
The public meeting and hearing will be held on August 12, 2019, from 6 to 9:30 pm at Wind Gap Middle School, 1620 Teels Rd, Pen Argyl, PA 18072. The Department is holding the public meeting and hearing in response to requests from the public concerning stormwater discharges to surface waters from the proposed project. The purpose of the meeting will be to answer questions and receive public comment regarding the draft NPDES permit.
The draft NPDES Permit is for a new discharge of stormwater into an unnamed tributary to Little Bushkill Creek, a designated high quality cold water fishery, and Waltz Creek, a designated cold water fishery.
The Department published notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin on September 29, 2018 and July 13, 2019 and solicited written comment concerning draft concentration limits to be imposed through the permit. The Department requests that individuals wishing to testify at the hearing notify Colleen Connolly, Community Relations Coordinator, coconnolly@pa.gov. Individuals attending the hearing will have the opportunity to testify if they so desire; however, individuals who notify the Department in advance will be given priority on the agenda.
The Department requests that attendees limit their testimony to no more than 5 minutes per person so that all individuals have the opportunity to participate. Relinquishing time to others will not be allowed. Also, the Department requests that comments stay within the scope of the meeting, particularly comments related to draft NPDES Permit No. PA0276120. Written copies of anticipated oral testimony are requested and can be submitted at the meeting.
A copy of the draft permit, fact sheet, and application can be viewed at DEP's Northeast Regional Office in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Those wishing to make an appointment to view the documents can do so between the hours of 8 a.m.—4 p.m. by calling 570-826-2511.
Individuals in need of an accommodation as provided for in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 should contact Colleen Connolly or make accommodations through the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at 1-800-654-5984 (TDD).
- For more information about the stormwater permit, including suggested Talking Points, go here.
- DEP’s Public Notice
- Air Quality Plan Notice
- Talking Points on the proposed Air Quality Plan go here
From PADEP: Public comment periods for both permit applications will end on Monday, August 26 at 4:00 PM. Those wishing to send in written comments can do so by that date by emailing: (air quality plan approval) Mark Wejkszner, Air Quality Program Manager at mwejkszner@pa.gov and (NPDES permit) Amy Bellanca, Environmental Engineer Manager at abellanca@pa.gov. Public comments can also be mailed to DEP at 2 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701.
