The DEP has given the quarry a greenlight to start sampling for asbestos, after its discovery halted operations in December. East Rockill Township has raised concerns about the scope of the quarry’s sampling plans.
State regulators have given the controversial Rockhill Quarry in East Rockhill the go-ahead to begin sampling for asbestos at the site, although quarrying operations remain on hold until the investigation is completed.
The quarry, located in a wooded area north of the Pennridge Airport, restarted activity in December 2017 after several decades of near-complete inactivity. Operator Richard E. Pierson Construction, of Pilesgrove, New Jersey, began the work after winning a $224 million Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission contract for work on the Northeast Extension north of the Lansdale exit.
Neighbors quickly raised issues over truck traffic, noise pollution, environmental degradation, and health concerns, including fears naturally occurring asbestos might exist on the site. The latter concern ultimately proved valid, after asbestos was found last December and the DEP halted work at the quarry until it could be further investigated.
The quarry, which is owned by Hanson Aggregates Pennsylvania, then submitted an investigation plan prepared by the Earthres Group, of Pipersville, on April 3. On Wednesday, the DEP announced it had partially approved the plan and would allow the quarry to begin sampling stone stockpiles and water bodies on the property.