Scranton, PA- U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) today sent a letter to the acting DEP Secretary John Quigley calling for a thorough review of the expansion application submitted by the Keystone Sanitary Landfill in Dunmore. Casey has been contacted by numerous constituents who have expressed concerns on the impact of the landfill expansion and who are seeking an addition opportunity to receive answers to questions about the landfill.
“I have been contacted by many constituents regarding the proposed landfill expansion. In their correspondence, they have expressed significant concerns about the expansion, particularly with respect to environmental concerns, quality of life, health concerns, and congestion and traffic associated with the proposed expansion,” Senator Casey wrote. “I share many of these concerns and ask that you, in considering the permit for expansion, ensure that approval, if granted, is predicated on assurances that community concerns are addressed.”
The text of Casey’s letter is below:
Dear Mr. Quigley:
I understand that the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is currently reviewing a permit for expansion of the Keystone Sanitary Landfill in Dunmore (Application No. 101247-A142). I have been contacted by many constituents regarding the proposed landfill expansion. In their correspondence, they have expressed significant concerns about the expansion, particularly with respect to environmental concerns, quality of life, health concerns, and congestion and traffic associated with the proposed expansion. I share many of these concerns and ask that you, in considering the permit for expansion, ensure that approval, if granted, is predicated on assurances that community concerns are addressed.
As you know, the regulation, permitting and expansion of municipal waste landfills is a State, rather than a Federal, issue. However, community concerns about the proposed expansion are substantial and I wanted to ensure that you have the benefit of views expressed to my office from my constituents. Accordingly, I am enclosing all correspondence that I have received on the matter that may be relevant in your own deliberations.
Further, some of my constituents have expressed concerns that DEP’s review process has not given them adequate ability to ask questions. They have requested that DEP hold an additional public meeting to address remaining questions. I encourage you to grant this additional meeting request. Also, I encourage the DEP to prioritize transparency and to give people in Northeastern Pennsylvania ample time and opportunity to express their views and, subsequently, to give these comments all due consideration. It is important that all parties have the opportunity to make their views known. In addition, if you are contemplating additional actions to inform your own consideration of the permit, I encourage you to make those known to the communities most directly affected by the proposed expansion.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter and for your public service on behalf of the people of Pennsylvania.
Sincerely,
Robert P. Casey, Jr.
United States Senator
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