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East Rockhill officials outline DEP appeals and cite low-level asbestos findings at Rock Hill Quarry
Summary
Township environmental counsel said two appeals are pending before the Environmental Hearing Board and the Rock Hill Quarry remains under a DEP cessation order; residents reported core-sample asbestos results of roughly 0.1%–0.3% and raised water-quality concerns for the Tohickon Creek.
Thomas Duncan, Esq., the Township’s environmental counsel from Manko Gold Katcher & Fox, told the East Rockhill Township Board of Supervisors on July 23 that the township has two appeals pending before the Pennsylvania Environmental Hearing Board related to the Rock Hill Quarry — one concerning air quality tied to a crusher and another tied to an NPDES permit amendment to the surface mining permit. "The Township is currently in the written discovery phase," Duncan said, and he added that "public notice would be given in advance of the Quarry reactivation." The Board was told the quarry remains under a DEP cessation order while the Department reviews asbestos results.
Residents pressed officials for details during the public-comment period. Ryan Gottshall, who lives on North Rockhill Road, asked about asbestos testing; the Board reported that recent core-sample testing in the mineral vein where naturally occurring asbestos may be present showed results "0.1% to 0.3% fibrous to nonfibrous," according to meeting minutes. Jeannine Gravel and Arthur Hallett noted a draft DEP report that indicated a downgrade of the Tohickon Creek, and attendees were directed to the draft report on DEP's website for details.
On public-safety questions, Perkasie Fire Chief Worthington said the fire department would use water sources on quarry property for a quarry fire and that the department has hydrants on Three Mile Run Road and Rockhill Road with roughly 2,000 gallons per minute flow; he also said Hanson Aggregates did not stop the fire department from accessing the Rock Hill Quarry but the department elected not to enter the active site for firefighter safety. "Hanson Aggregates did not stop access," the chief advised.
Why it matters: the appeals and testing affect whether the quarry may operate and under what controls; several residents said they are concerned about water quality and air emissions, and they sought clarity on testing, regulatory appeals, and public-notice processes. The Environmental Hearing Board operates like a trial court and, if permits are voided, appeals could proceed to Commonwealth Court, the Board was told.
What’s next: township counsel indicated discovery is ongoing in the Environmental Hearing Board matters and that public notice will be issued before any quarry reactivation. Residents were advised to consult DEP postings for the draft Tohickon Creek report and to contact the Perkasie Regional Authority for hydrant location and flow information.
