Westmoreland commissioners asked to oppose mine, landfill expansion projects
Feb. 17—More than a dozen opponents to proposed coal mine and landfill expansions in Westmoreland County pleaded with leaders Thursday to help their cause.
Speaking during the commissioners' meeting, members of the Mountain Watershed Association and others spoke out against the projects. They asked county leaders to lobby on their behalf to halt the proposed projects, which they claim would cause ongoing environmental concerns and potential health risks to residents.
"We're hoping the county commissioners will protect our most valuable resources here in Westmoreland County," said Kurt Limbach of Fairfield.
LCT Energy LP is seeking to expand its Rustic Ridge No. 1 Mine from 2,880 acres in Donegal and Saltlick townships to include an additional 1,450 acres under the Pennsylvania Turnpike in the Donegal area and Route 711 north of the toll road.
Meanwhile, MAX Environmental Technologies Inc. is awaiting a decision from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection on its request to build a seventh landfill on its 159-acre site in Yukon to store treated industrial wastes.
Both projects should be rejected, according to Michael Cordaro of Donegal Township and a board member with the Mountain Watershed Association.
"We want the county commissioners to be vocal opponents to these expansion projects," Cordaro said.
Michael Astley of Acme urged the commissioners to serve as the group's lobbyists and oppose the expansions, including the mine project, which he said will directly impact his home and family.
"I am asking you step up and bring this to the attention to the DEP in Harrisburg, to the Donegal and Mt. Pleasant township officials who can help put an end to this expansion, and help bring it to the attention of all Westmoreland County residents who will be impacted by it," Astley said. "We don't want it here."
Carl Spadaro, environmental manager at MAX Environmental, defended the proposed landfill expansion project. He said the company will use state-of- the-art technology to protect groundwater.
"We believe (the project) meets all required state regulations," Spadaro said.
A representative LCT Energy, based in Latrobe, could not be reached for comment.
The county commissioners have no direct involvement in the permitting process for either project.
County Planning Director Jason Rigone said concerns were raised during the public comments to the state regarding the landfill expansion project in Yukon.
Commissioner Sean Kertes said he opposes the landfill proposal.
"That to me is something I am not for, to have another expansion of a toxic hazardous materials in the county. It seems that Westmoreland County always gets these kind of places," Kertes said.
He said he has not formulated a position on the Donegal mine expansion proposal.
"We need to explore research and do our due diligence. They brought up some great points to us and they met with our chiefs of staff," Kertes said. "We want to hear from the state, why they are looking to authorize this expansion, and we want to hear both sides of the coin."
Westmoreland Commissioner Gina Cerilli Thrasher said both projects are state issues that commissioners have no direct impact to decide.
"I am not prepared to give a comment," Thrasher said.
Commissioner Doug Chew said he will research the issues before rendering an opinion.
"I am always open to listening to our residents and appreciate their input," Chew said. "I will most certainly take all of their important comments into consideration as I research this more."
Rich Cholodofsky is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Rich by email at rcholodofsky@triblive.com or via Twitter .
