The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PENNDOT) and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced Tuesday that the Interstate 99 Acid Rock Drainage Remediation Plan is now available for public review. PENNDOT submitted the 50-page Acid Rock Drainage (ARD) Plan to the DEP on Monday, May 24.
The plan proposes several options in response to the discovery of sandstone containing pyrite found during the construction of sections of Interstate 99 in Centre County. District 2 District Executive George Khoury noted “The ARD Remediation Plan is the result of a highly collaborative effort between PENNDOT and PA DEP. It is our belief that the Remediation Plan reflects the most sensitive and responsible of solutions to a complex and difficult situation.”
PENNDOT is making the remedial plan available for public review both on the I-99 Acid Rock Drainage Plan Available Internet and in several office locations. Additionally, the remediation plan will be presented to the public on Tuesday, June 1, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Mount Nittany Middle School, Boalsburg. The ARD Plan can be viewed on PENNDOT\’s web site, www.dot.state.pa.us. Click on “Regional Information,” then on the red number “2,” and click on, “Information on I-99.” The ARD Plan is also on the DEP\’s web site, www.dep.state.pa.us. Click on “Subjects,” then click on “R-regional offices,” then click “Williamsport/North Central,\” and click on the “I-99” icon. DEP will accept comments on PENNDOT\’s plan until 4:30 p.m. on Friday, June 25. Comments can be sent by email to: ra-i99comment@state.pa.us. Written comments also will be accepted and should be sent to: DEP, 208 West Third St., Suite 101, Williamsport, Pa. 17701 Attention: I-99 comments. DEP will not respond to each individual comment, but will prepare a response to all comments received at the time it makes a final decision on the I-99 remediation plan.
Full printed copies of the plan are available for viewing at the following locations: Patton Township Office, 100 Patton Plaza, State College, 814-234-0271; Ferguson Township Office, 3147 Research Drive, State College, 814-238-4651; Benner Township Office, 1224 Buffalo Run Road, Bellefonte, 814-355-1419; Schlow Memorial Library, 100 E. Beaver Ave., State College, 814-237-6236; PENNDOT District 2 Office, 1924 Daisy St. Extension, Clearfield,
814-765-0400; PENNDOT District 9 Office, 1620 N. Juniata St., Hollidaysburg, 814-696-7250; Skelly & Loy Office, 303 S. High St., Port Matilda, 814-692-8682; ClearWater Conservancy, 2555 N. Atherton St., State College, 814-237-0400; Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, 208 W. Third Street, Suite 101,Williamsport, 570-327-3636 or its Philipsburg location at Philipsburg Industrial Park, Philipsburg, 814-342-8200; Centre County Planning Commission, Willowbank Office Building, Third Floor, 420 Holmes St., Bellefonte, 814-355-6700; Centre Regional Planning Commission, Fraser Plaza Suite 5, 131 S. Fraser St., State College, 814-231-3050; PA Fish & Boat Commission; Environmental Services Division, 450 Robinson Lane, Bellefonte, 814-359-5147; and Pennsylvania Game Commission, 2001 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg, 717-787-4250.
The construction on Interstate 99 in Centre County uncovered large amounts of sandstone containing pyrite earlier this year.
When pyrite is exposed to air and water, it produces acidic drainage. The drainage can be a source of water pollution in nearby streams if left untreated.
(This information is from a joint press release from PENNDOT and DEP.)
