County staff: no county records found for Panther Creek site; other records and zoning notifications noted

County planning staff told the commission that an extensive Right-to-Know request seeking permits, approvals and inspection records for the Panther Creek energy facility returned no records in the county's possession, custody, or control.

"We have found no records in our possession, custody, or control of Carbon County from the extensive submitted record request," the staff member said, summarizing the county's search and recommending that requesters contact Panther Creek Power Operating LLC, Stronghold Digital Mining (operator of trailers on site), Cove Edge Enterprises (previous owner), the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and Escaloning Borough for additional records.

The staff member also reported that the county had no records of environmental violations, hazardous-waste permits or remediation records for a Penati Associates property where asbestos removal took place, based on the search. Finally, staff noted a Penn Forest Township zoning ordinance revision contained an error in a section about building heights that had removed HVAC equipment from height calculations; staff said the county received notifications but no formal letter on that change.

All three items were reported as informational; no formal county action or vote was taken on the records searches or the township zoning notification during this meeting.

Next steps: Requesters should follow staff guidance and pursue records from site owners, the borough and state agencies; the county will maintain its search results in the record.