The Department of Environmental Protection announced Tuesday it will hold a public meeting and hearing on February 10, to outline its plan to clean up lead-contaminated battery casings and soil at residential properties on Noll Lane in Ruscombmanor Township, Berks County.

The 7 p.m. meeting and hearing will be at the Ruscombmanor Township Building, 204 Oak Lane, Fleetwood.

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

In July 2013, DEP was notified of suspected battery casings along the Noll Lane Roadway. DEP conducted an investigation and collected soil samples to fully characterize the site. 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.

The proposed response action is to excavate the soil to a depth of two feet on the shoulders of the roadway. The battery casing material and contaminated soils from the shoulders that is above the statewide health standard for lead will be disposed of off-site. The roadway itself will be rough-graded and capped with asphalt. Stormwater controls will also be installed, and the area will be graded and grass planted to restore the affected areas.

Those who wish to present testimony during the hearing are asked to register in advance by contacting David Hrobuchak in DEP’s Southcentral Regional Office at 717-705-4843.

The public will have the opportunity to present up to five minutes of oral testimony during the hearing. 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.

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 February 9 to David Hrobuchak, Environmental Cleanup Program, 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 April 6, 2015. 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, call 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).

2/2/2015