The Department of Environmental Protection will hold a public meeting and hearing on October 21 to outline its plan to clean up lead-contaminated battery casings and soil at a residential property on Franklin Road in Hamburg Borough, Berks County.

The 7 p.m. meeting and hearing will be at the DEP Reading District Office, 1005 Cross Roads Blvd., Reading.

“This meeting will provide an opportunity for the public to ask questions and voice any concerns about our proposed cleanup plan,” DEP Southcentral Regional Director Lynn Langer said. “The Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act (HSCA) authorizes DEP to take action and create a plan to return this site to a sound environmental state.”

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency collected soil samples at the 649 Franklin St. property in September 2011 as part of a larger investigation to identify properties in Hamburg Borough which may have been impacted by lead dust from the former Price Battery lead smelter.

The investigation revealed battery casings that appeared to have been used decades earlier as fill material, and the results of the soil samples indicated that lead was present at elevated levels.

In October 2011, DEP conducted further investigation to fully characterize the site and collected additional soil samples which confirmed the elevated levels of lead.

DEP is proposing to excavate and remove the battery casing material and contaminated soil. The area will be graded and grass will be planted to restore the affected areas.

Those who wish to present testimony during the hearing are asked to register in advance by contacting Lisa Kasianowitz in DEP’s Southcentral Regional Office at 717-787-1323. Individuals who register in advance will be given priority on the agenda. If time permits at the hearing, those who did not register will be given the opportunity to testify.

The public will have the opportunity to present up to five minutes of oral testimony during the hearing. All presenters should bring two copies of their comments and exhibits.

Those who prefer to present their comments in writing or are unable to attend the hearing may submit written testimony by 4 p.m. on October 1 to Asuquo Effiong, DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg, PA 17110.

DEP will provide a written response to all relevant testimony and written comments received during the hearing and public comment period, and will consider relevant comments in its review of the application.

As required under HSCA, the administrative record for the proposal will be open for review and comment until Dec. 5. It can be reviewed, by appointment, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at DEP’s Southcentral Regional Office at the above address. To make an appointment, contact Stacy Burns at 717-705-4732.

Individuals in need of an accommodation as provided for in the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact Lisa Kasianowitz at the number provided above or make accommodations through the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at 1-800-654-5984 (TDD).

10/13/2014