Residents press East Rockhill supervisors over quarry testing and PFAS concerns; board backs public water connection

Dozens of residents raised concerns about quarry operations, asbestos testing and PFAS contamination at the April 23 East Rockhill Township Board of Supervisors meeting, and the board voted to send a letter supporting a public water connection to address PFAS-related risks.

The meeting’s public-comment period centered on the Rockhill Quarry. Mark Ezzo questioned a referenced limit of "500 ton per year" stone removal and whether the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) oversees that activity. Several residents — including Katie Zackon of the Rockhill Environmental Preservation Alliance and Dan Soliday — urged that pending Zoning Hearing Board sessions not be continued while court challenges proceed.

Some speakers directly criticized regulatory oversight. "The testing procedure is a joke," resident Ryan Gottshall said after observing asbestos testing at the quarry site on April 18 and questioning DEP’s on-site review. Jim Pascale said the DEP and the quarry operator were "playing a clever scheme" and criticized the federal judge handling related proceedings, remarks that Chairperson Gary Volovnik described as not factual and asked Pascale to provide supporting documents to the Township.

Township staff and supervisors outlined agency roles and remedies. Manager Marianne Morano said hours of operation fall under the Township nuisance ordinance, and staff reiterated that DEP investigates dry wells; if DEP determines a well went dry because of quarry operations, the quarry operator would be required to replace the well at no cost to the homeowner. Legal counsel present for the Township was identified as the environmental law firm Manko, Gold, Katcher & Fox.

After extended public comment and follow-up discussion, Supervisor Jim Nietupski moved — and Supervisor David Nyman seconded — that the Township send a letter supporting a public water connection in response to the DEP PFAS ruling. The motion passed unanimously with all present voting in favor (three supervisors).

Residents pressed the board to increase Township presence during on-site testing and to consider hiring independent third-party experts; staff said the property owner must grant site access and that the Township’s environmental attorney would consult on recommended actions. The Township also agreed to post documents that had been provided in March to the Township website and asked residents to submit any additional materials they referenced.

The board adjourned into executive session at 8:47 p.m.; no further public action was taken at that time.