Meeting to focus on cleaning up range

PHILIPSBURG - Plans to clean up lead contamination at the Philipsburg Rod and Gun Club's trap shooting range within Black Moshannon State Park will be the focus of a public meeting and public hearing on Sept. 22.

The state departments of Environmental Protection and Conservation and Natural Resources are expected to review four plans to address the extensive soil and limited groundwater contamination found on the site as a result of generations of lead shot from trap shells fired on the property.

The plans will be detailed during the public meeting, starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Rush Township Municipal Building, 150 N. Richard St., Philipsburg.

"Staff from DEP's Environmental Cleanup and Brownfields program will explain the issue, review the proposed remedial solutions and answer questions," DEP North-Central Regional Director Marcus Kohl said.

The state's preferred alternative, estimated at $835,319, calls for removing lead shot from the site and stabilizing the soil in a way that will decrease the leachability of the lead. Three alternative plans include suggestions of taking no action, of providing an impermeable cap to restrict the lead's mobility or the excavation, treatment and removal of the soil for disposal in a landfill.

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

The presentation on the alternatives will be followed by a public hearing, starting at 7:30 p.m., when citizens can offer up to five minutes of comment regarding the proposed remedial actions. All testimony will be recorded and transcribed into a written document. DEP is expected to provide a written response to all relevant testimony. DEP is also willing to accept written testimony of any length.

Anyone in need of specific accommodations to participate in the meeting or hearing should contact Daniel Spadoni at 570-327-3659 or through the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at 800-654-5984.

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Meeting to focus on cleaning up range