Residents concerned about mining plan
FARMINGTON – A half-dozen Wharton Township residents voiced concerns Wednesday that a proposed surface mine off Brethren Summit Road might ruin their water wells and springs and damage their homes. The residents spoke out at a township zoning hearing board hearing held regarding Amerikohl Mining’s request for a special exception to mine coal from the property, which is zoned for agricultural use.
David Maxwell, vice president of Amerikohl Mining Inc. of Stahlstown, said the water supply nearest to the proposed mine site is more than 1,500 feet away and he could almost guarantee that the mine or blasting would not affect anybody’s water.
He said the mine is at a high elevation and the operation has been designed to avoid the underground water table.
He said the company is required to post a bond with the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to ensure the site is reclaimed and to protect water supplies.
If the DEP determines the company damaged someone’s well, the company would be required to drill a new well, Maxwell said.
Pre-blasting surveys would be done on all homes within a half-mile of the mine, he said.
Several residents said their well water does not have to be treated and is purer than any water that can be purchased.
John “Jack” Lewis, a township supervisor who lives off Brethren Summit Road, said property value would plummet without good water.
Diane Jones of Shepherd Road said her home has been using water from a spring for 24 years.
Maxwell said wells within 1,000 feet of the mine have to be tested before mining could begin, but he would make sure Jones’ spring is tested.
Robert Varndell of Shepherd Road said the water from his 98-foot-deep well is “better water than you can buy.”
Maxwell said Varndell’s property is one of the closest to the mine and his water was tested.
“I feel confident we won’t affect anyone’s water supply,” Maxwell said.
Mining would begin in a little more than a year and last for six to nine months, he said.
DEP is reviewing the company’s application for a permit to operate the mine, he said.
The permit would cover a 94.1-acre area, but mining would take place on 19.1 acres, Maxwell said.
Scott, Allen and Marjorie Whyel own the property.
Maxwell said the land is forested, but its timber has been removed.
“Between 800 and 1,000 trees per acre will be planted when we’re done,” Maxwell said.
Two sediment ponds and several collection ditches would be used to control erosion from the site, he said.
Seven trucks would make three trips a day hauling coal from the site using Shepherd Road and Wharton Furnace Road to reach Route 40, he said, adding that the company will repair any damages it does to roads.
The mine would operate from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., but a second shift from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. would be used for three or four weeks to start up the operation, Maxwell said.
Eight to 10 employees would work the first shift and four would work the second shift, he said.
Water would be used to prevent dust from escaping the site and dirt and mud would be removed from trucks before they leave, he said, noting that loaded truck beds would be covered with tarps.
Tom Baxter, ZHB chairman, said the board would render a decision within 45 days.