Archaeological finds could push back Hollidaysburg stormwater project; borough plans to ask DEP to review phase‑1 work

Council member Imhof reported that consultants have completed a phase‑1 archaeological investigation for the stormwater mitigation project and are preparing documentation for the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office in Harrisburg, but the consultants expect the state will require a phase‑2 study that would add time and cost.

"The phase 1 process is complete. We have maps of where the artifacts were found and documentation of each artifact," Imhof said. He said consultants told the borough the site likely served as a day‑trip location for people from a documented Native American village near Frankstown and that artifacts probably reflect hunting, fishing or gathering activity rather than a permanent settlement. "Based on everything they found, they think the state will require phase 2 investigation," Imhof said.

The borough is seeking a parallel route: apply to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for the discharge permit the project requires and ask DEP whether the phase‑1 work satisfies permit review. The stormwater project needs a DEP permit because its outfall will enter a stream, and permit applications require demonstration that proposed work will not adversely affect archaeological or environmentally sensitive sites, Imhof said. If DEP accepts the phase‑1 documentation, the project could proceed this year; if DEP requires a phase‑2 study with the State Historic Preservation Office, Imhof warned, "this project's gonna get moved to 2026" because the additional investigation and documentation would take months.

Imhof said the borough will likely invite legislators to the DEP discussions and that staff have done due diligence to date but do not control the state review timetable. No formal vote was taken; the update was provided during unfinished business.