The departments of Environmental Protection and Conservation and Natural Resources will hold a public meeting and public hearing to discuss plans to clean up lead contamination at the Philipsburg Rod and Gun Club’s trap shooting range located within Black Moshannon State Park in Rush Township, Centre County.

The public meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m., followed by the public hearing at 7:30 p.m., on September 22 at the Rush Township municipal building, 150 North Richard St. in Philipsburg.

“Staff from DEP’s Environmental Cleanup and Brownfields program will explain the issue, review the proposed remedial solutions and answer questions,” DEP Northcentral Regional Director Marcus Kohl said.

Environmental investigations at the PRGC site have identified extensive soil and limited groundwater contamination. Soil contamination of lead and other metals associated with the shoot exceeds statewide health standards for soil. Shallow groundwater is also contaminated with lead above the statewide health standard for groundwater.

DEP has developed four alternative plans to address the contamination and remediate the site. The department’s preferred alternative is estimated to cost $835,319. All four plans will be presented at the public meeting.

An administrative record, including an analysis of alternatives, is available for review at the Black Moshannon Park office or at DEP’s Northcentral Regional Office in Williamsport. Park office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, and 12 to 4 p.m. on Sunday. DEP regional office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.

During the public hearing at 7:30 p.m., citizens will have an opportunity to present up to five minutes of oral testimony regarding the proposed remedial actions. Written testimony of any length also will be accepted.

The testimony will be recorded by a court reporter and transcribed into a written document. DEP will provide a written response to all relevant testimony provided during the public hearing.

Those who wish to present oral testimony may register on-site, prior to the hearing.

Persons with a disability who wish to attend the hearing and require auxiliary aid, service or other accommodations to participate in the proceedings should call Daniel Spadoni at 570-327-3659 or through the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at 1-800-654-5984 (TDD) to discuss how the department may accommodate your needs.

For more information, call 570-327-3636.

8/25/2014