The Department of Environmental Protection will host a public hearing August 10 to take testimony regarding the renewal and revision of an Individual National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit for Eastern Industries, Inc.’s Kutztown Quarry.

The hearing will be held from 6:30-9:00 p.m. at the Kutztown Middle School, 10 Deisher Lane, Kutztown. Prior to the public hearing, DEP will hold an informal question and answer session from 6-6:30 PM.

In association with Eastern’s Surface Mining Permit, the NPDES application seeks to increase the quarry’s water discharge to Sacony Creek from 5,000 gallons per minute to a maximum of 8,000 gallons per minute. Sacony Creek is classified as Trout Stocking (TSF) Migratory Fishes.

Those wishing to offer testimony at the hearing can pre-register by sending email to John Repetz, Community Relations Coordinator at: jrepetz@pa.gov.

The department will also accept written testimony by email or sending comments to Nathan Houtz, DEP Pottsville District Office, 5 West Laurel Boulevard, Pottsville, PA 17901, or by email to: nhoutz@pa.gov. Written comments will be accepted until Sept. 9.

A copy of the application is available for public inspection at the Maxatawny Township Building, 127 Quarry Road, Kutztown, PA 19530 during township business hours, and at DEP’s Pottsville District Office, during regular business hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m Monday through Friday. You may call 570-621-3118 for an appointment.

Individuals in need of an accommodation as provided for in the American with Disabilities Act of 1990, should contact John Repetz or make accommodations through the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at 1-800-654-5984 (TDD).

8/8/2016