Pennsylvania Constitution. Article I, Section 27 says: “The people have a right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and esthetic values of the environment. Pennsylvania’s public natural resources are the common property of all the people, including generations yet to come.”
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From: PA Senator Steve Santarsiero <senatorsantarsiero@pasenate.com>
Date: Tue, Dec 10, 2019 at 5:15 PM
Subject: Rockhill Quarry Update
To: PA Senator Steve Santarsiero <senatorsantarsiero@pasenate.com>
Hello,
Last week marked one year since the Department of Environmental Protection ordered mining operations at the Rockhill Quarry to cease due to the discovery of naturally-occurring asbestos. For the past year, I have been in regular contact with the DEP to address our many shared concerns arising from the existence of asbestos and questions surrounding the alleged continuous operations of the Quarry that could possibly require the owner/operator to apply for a new operating permit under more modern standards.
I recently met with Governor Tom Wolf and DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell regarding multiple issues affecting my district, including the Rockhill Quarry. During the meeting, Governor Wolf, Secretary McDonnell and I had a productive discussion about the serious nature of the asbestos issue and how it could affect the health and safety of East Rockhill residents. I believe that the Governor shares my concerns about the threat posed by potential asbestos contamination. I urged his administration to hold the owner and operator of the Quarry to the letter of the law and to make sure that no mining activity be allowed to resume while the threat of asbestos contamination persists.
During the meeting I also raised the issue of the Quarry’s historical operations. I laid out the evidence demonstrating that the Quarry has not been in continuous operation over the last 30 years. While Secretary McDonnell acknowledged inconsistencies in state records on this issue, it appeared that the Department remained of the view that the site had met the operating requirements during the period in question. Notwithstanding this fact, I will continue to press that issue as well.
DEP’s order prohibiting operations at the site remains in effect. I will continue to fight for the health and life safety of all residents as this matter moves forward.
Very truly yours,
Steve Santarsiero
Senator
Pennsylvania’s 10th District