The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently approved an application for a large noncoal mining permit in Slippery Rock Township, Lawrence County.
Allegheny Mineral Corp.’s Surface Mine submitted the application.
The permit allows Allegheny Mineral to surface mine 12 acres of Upper Kittanning coal, 67 acres of Middle Kittanning coal, and 252 acres of Vanport Limestone, with incidental coal removal of 252 acres of Lower Kittanning coal.
Also included in the permit are a wetland encroachment, a road variance for State Route 2028, and six stream encroachments.
“DEP gave careful consideration to the comments received from residents and Slippery Rock Township officials regarding the permit,” Daniel Sammarco, DEP director of District Mining Operations, said.
DEP reviewed an assessment of the potential environmental impacts and held a public meeting to hear community feedback.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service examined the potential environmental effects on the Indiana and northern long-eared bat populations. It concluded the location of the project and the amount of tree removal would have no direct adverse effects on bats so long as tree removal occurs between Nov. 15 and March 31.
The public can access the permit, by appointment, at the Lawrence County Conservation District located at the White Memorial Building in Knox.