The Department of Environmental Protection will hold a public meeting and hearing on December 16, to discuss a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) permit application submitted by Joel Knoebel for his existing Cleveland Pork Farm in Cleveland Township, Columbia County.

The 6:30 p.m. meeting will be held at the Elysburg Fire Company #1, at 1 East Mill St. in Elysburg.

“Staff from DEP’s Clean Water Program will explain the permit review process and applicable regulations,” DEP Northcentral Regional Director Marcus Kohl said. “This presentation will be followed by a question and answer session, so that both DEP and the applicant can hear from residents and provide needed information.”

Knoebel was first issued an NPDES CAFO permit for this existing operation by DEP on June 3, 2008. That permit expired on June 2, 2013. In early August, DEP and Knoebel signed a consent order and agreement that required the submission of a new NPDES CAFO application by Sept. 30, which was submitted.

During the 8 p.m. hearing portion of the evening, the public will have an opportunity to present up to five minutes of oral testimony about the application. Written testimony of any length will also be accepted. The oral testimony will be recorded by a court reporter and transcribed into a written document, and DEP will create a written response to all relevant testimony.

Those who wish to present oral testimony are required to register that evening prior to the hearing. For anyone unable to attend the public hearing, written comments should be submitted by the close of business on December 26 to DEP Clean Water Program Manager, Department of Environmental Protection Northcentral Regional Office, 208 W. 3rd St., Suite 101, Williamsport, PA 17701.

The public may schedule an appointment to view the application in the regional office by calling 570-327-0550.

Individuals in need of an accommodation as provided for in the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 should contact Daniel Spadoni at 570-327-3659 or through the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at 1-800-654-5984 (TDD).

For more information, call 570-327-3636.

11/11/2013