William Plassio, a 32-year veteran of the Department of Environmental Protection’s mining program, Director of the Bureau of District Mining Operations Monday.

The Westmoreland County native will oversee the state’s six district mining offices, which are responsible for the permitting, monitoring and enforcement of all the state’s active mining operations.

DEP also announced Michael Menghini will become Assistant Director for District Mining Operations. Menghini, a 30-year veteran of DEP’s mining programs, will continue with his previous duties of managing the state’s District Mining Office in Pottsville as well as assist with the oversight of the other district offices.

“I am very proud to have Bill leading our team of inspectors, engineers and permitting staff,” DEP Deputy Secretary for Active and Abandoned Mine Operations John Stefanko said. “His commitment to public service and to this state is unparalleled.”

“I would like to thank my family and my parents for all of their support throughout my career,” Plassio said. “I look forward to continuing to serve my fellow Pennsylvanians and working with the hardworking men and women in our district offices.”

As Bureau Director for District Mining Operations, Plassio will oversee 217 employees in offices in California, Cambria, Greensburg, Knox, Moshannon and Pottsville, as well as administer the state’s oversight of blasting and the Mine Subsidence Insurance Program.

He will also develop contracts for the reclamation of mining sites that have forfeited their bonds and will negotiate the establishment of trust funds to pay for the treatment of coal mine drainage from active and abandoned sites.

Plassio is a licensed professional engineer and a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh. Prior to his most recent position as district mining manager in the California office, Plassio worked as a mining engineer in various sections of the state’s mining program. He resides in Irwin with his wife Debbie.

There are more than 600 active bituminous and anthracite mines in the state, and roughly 2,400 non-coal mine operations. Pennsylvania is the fourth leading state in total coal production and the only producer of anthracite coal, which is valuable for its high heat content. The state is also a leader in producing industrial minerals such as limestone and bluestone.

6/10/2013