The Department of Environmental Protection is moving to halt the potential uncontrolled release of untreated water and sludge from the former Tunnelton Liquids Company (TLC) site in Tunnelton, Indiana County.

TLC treated leachate from a coal refuse disposal area and wastewater from oil and gas drilling activities. The company halted operations on April 17, 2014.  With no activity at the facility, untreated water and sludge is accumulating in a pond on the site which could overflow into the Conemaugh River. There is additional concern that residue found in parts of the site may contain hazardous substances

Using the authority of the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act (HSCA), DEP has initiated a response at the Tunnelton company site. The agency believes that there is an imminent threat to human health and the environment if the water and sludge from a pond on the site were to overflow into the river.

DEP has developed a plan designed to prevent an uncontrolled discharge into the river.

A public hearing has been scheduled for July 1 at 6:30 p.m. at the Tunnelton Volunteer Fire Department located at 76 East 3rd Ave., Saltsburg, Pa.

Members of the public will have an opportunity to provide testimony at the hearing.  Those wishing to make comments should register in writing with Community Relations Coordinator John Poister in care of DEP’s Southwestern Regional Office, 400 Waterfront Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or by phone at 412-442-4203 before noon on the day of the hearing.  There will also be an opportunity to register on-site on the evening of the hearing.

Those unable to attend the hearing should submit written comments to Terry Goodwald, Project Manager, Department of Environmental Protection, 400 Waterfront Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.  The public comment period for this cleanup plan will close August 22, 2014.

6/30/2014