County planners warn DEP proposal could limit on-lot sewage approvals on formerly mined land; commissioners urge residents to contact state lawmakers

County officials raised a concern that proposed amendments to Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection rules could limit future DEP approvals for on-lot sewage systems on land previously disturbed by mining activity — a change that local officials said could affect large portions of buildable land in Clearfield County.

At the end of the meeting, commissioners and county planning staff said they had been alerted to vague language in DEP’s proposed amendments that could change what qualifies as "previously disturbed" land and thereby inhibit on-lot sewage approvals for construction on former mine-impacted parcels. Commissioners said this could affect a substantial share of land historically subject to mining and urged residents and stakeholders to contact state elected officials and DEP for clarification.

The county planner, Jody Brennan, is cited by commissioners as having flagged the proposed DEP language. Commissioners said they had notified state representatives about the concern and encouraged residents to contact Representative Kephart and Representative Armenini and DEP to ask for clarification or reconsideration of the proposed rule wording.

Commissioners characterized the possible regulatory change as a potential development inhibitor and asked county residents and affected stakeholders to monitor DEP’s proposal and communicate concerns to state officials. No formal county-level action or resolution was recorded on this item during the meeting; the discussion was recorded as "good of the order."