DEP Approves General Permit for Regulated Fill Project in Palmerton

Former Zinc Plant Will be Prepared for Future Development

HARRISBURG, Pa., Aug. 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Department of Environmental Protection today granted approval to Phase III Environmental of Lehighton for the beneficial use, controlled placement and monitoring of regulated fill at the former New Jersey Zinc West Plant in Palmerton Borough, Carbon County.

"The company addressed concerns the department detailed during our review of their application, including compliance with our regulated fill management policies and procedures for identifying sources of the fill material and ensuring it meets our criteria," said DEP Northeast Regional Director Michael Bedrin.

Under state General Permit WMGR096, regulated fill will be used to meet site cleanup standards and allow for the redevelopment of this Brownfields site.  The company will meet all DEP limits for metals and organic chemicals in the fill material.

DEP is also requiring the company to develop a site-wide grading plan to delineate the placement of the fill, which the company estimates will require an increase in overall elevation by 10 to 15 feet with the placement of four to six million tons of regulated fill material.  

Phase III Environmental will work under an agreement with CBS Operations Inc. and Northface Development LLC to implement DEP's Act 2 Land Recycling Program standards and EPA's One Cleanup Program.  This will include the necessary engineering controls for the placement of fill and capping, and conducting groundwater monitoring on the property.

The Carbon County Conservation District has approved the company's erosion and sedimentation control plan and DEP has issued a stormwater control permit for the first phase of the project.  

Their proposal indicates that it may take 10 or more years to develop the site using the regulated fill material and allow for the subsequent redevelopment of the property, construction of buildings and installation of utilities.  

For more information, visit www.depweb.state.pa.us or call 570-826-2511.  

Media contact: Mark Carmon, 570-826-2511

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection