Planning commission grants extension, tables action on EB Clearing storage/processing site on Old Harrisburg Road

Huntington Township planning commissioners on June 23 granted a time extension through Nov. 13, 2025 and tabled final action on a proposed EB Clearing Inc. storage and processing site off Old Harrisburg Road while the applicant and township address zoning and county review comments.

The proposal covers a site between Route 15 and Old 15. The applicant described the plan as a storage and processing yard for firewood and screened topsoil, with stockpiles of material and space for trailers and truck parking. The applicant said there will be no retail on site and “we don’t compost at all,” adding that “we’re not gonna manufacture mulch” though mulch may be mixed with topsoil for amended soils.

Why it matters: Neighbors said the property lies near residences and a billboard access path and pressed the commission for clarity about potential composting, noise, truck traffic and hours of operation. Commissioners said the developer will need zoning relief for access and other variances because PennDOT typically allows only a single driveway where the parcel has frontage.

Details of the proposal and discussion - Operations and products: The applicant told the commission the site would be used primarily to process and split firewood and to screen topsoil. The applicant said seasonal timing concentrates firewood work from roughly August into the fall, while topsoil screening usually occurs in drier months (May–July). The applicant estimated roughly “40 tractor trailer loads of firewood a year,” not a daily delivery rate. - Compost and mulch: Commission members and residents asked whether composting or mulch manufacturing would occur. The applicant said, “we don’t compost at all” and that they would not be grinding tree debris on the site; he allowed that “there could be some mulch mixture over there” to blend with soils. - Traffic and access: The applicant said heavy equipment (log trailers, tri‑axles) would service the site, but not routinely every day; most long‑haul movements would occur seasonally. Township staff and the applicant agreed the owner must seek a zoning variance because PennDOT is unlikely to approve two driveways at the parcel’s frontage; the variance would address the township ordinance’s two‑driveway requirement. - Noise, screening and hours: The applicant said typical on‑site hours are “daylight to dark,” with staff usually starting around 7 a.m. and often finishing by mid‑afternoon; he added there would be no routine nighttime operation or lighting beyond security lights. The project includes proposed screening along Old Harrisburg Road and a vegetative berm: the applicant said he already has “green giants” planted and will add more to separate operations from nearby residences. - Wetlands and stormwater: The applicant said wetlands on the property would be avoided and the plan proposes two infiltration basins to manage runoff. - Neighbor concerns: A nearby resident described repeated access by billboard maintenance vehicles that had driven over her yard and septic area; she pressed the applicant and township to prevent damage. Other commenters asked about snakes, rodents and dust; the applicant said active movement of stockpiles and the use of water during screening would reduce pest and dust issues.

Commission action - Time extension: The commission approved a time extension, moving the plan review and related reviews through Nov. 13, 2025, to allow the applicant to pursue required zoning items and agency reviews. (Motion made from the floor and adopted by voice vote.) - Tabling: The commission also tabled the plan for further revisions and to await hearing outcomes and revised plan sheets. (Motion adopted by voice vote.)

Next steps The applicant must pursue a zoning hearing board variance (driveway/parking/curb requirements and parking calculations were discussed) and address county and township review comments. Township staff noted the submission is under review and that formal action will occur once the plan is revised and required outside approvals are in hand.

A planning‑commission discussion during the meeting also flagged checklist items the applicant must add to the cover sheet (e.g., notes about nonbuilding waivers and stockpile uses) and asked that the plan explicitly list firewood processing as a proposed use so the record matches operations if complaints arise. The commission recorded public comments for the supervisors and staff to include in future review packets.