The Department of Environmental Protection will hold a public meeting and hearing on September 25, in Jenner Township, Somerset County, to discuss its proposed cleanup of a contaminated site in nearby Boswell Borough and receive comments from the public.

The 6:30 p.m. meeting will be at the Jenner Township Building at 2058 Lincoln Highway.

The Spangler Road site has been used to improperly store home heating oil and gasoline. On Jan. 26, 2012, a fuel oil spill caused by one or more leaking containers required action by local firefighters and Somerset County Hazmat responders, who were able to contain the release and minimize further leaks into nearby streams and wetlands.

“We are concerned about the condition of this site because fuel oil has soaked into the ground, and that contaminated soil must be removed,” DEP Southwest Regional Director Susan Malone said. “There are still more containers of fuel oil and gasoline on the site that are in poor condition and DEP needs to continue to work to address them.”

At the meeting, representatives of DEP’s Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act program will outline the agency’s plan to remove and properly dispose of the stored liquids and excavate contaminated soil. A question-and-answer session will follow the presentation.

The public hearing portion of the evening will begin immediately following the question- and- answer session.

Those interested in presenting comments about the proposed cleanup may register by calling John Poister at 412-442-4203; emailing him at jpoister@pa.gov; writing to him at 400 Waterfront Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15222; or signing up at the meeting.

Individuals in need of an accommodation as provided for in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 should also call John Poister at the number above or the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at 1-800-654-5984 (TDD).

9/24/2012