MAR LIN - Residents voiced concerns about air quality, the permit process and other questions about World Resources at a information session hosted Monday by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency at the Norwegian Township municipal building.
"I think the good news that we want to share with you is that we did this examination of the World Resource facility and we found nothing that needs to be taken care of. There are no hidden issues there. The groundwater is fine. The soil around the plant is fine, and that's the primary purpose of the meeting tonight," said Paul J. Gotthold, associate director of the office of Pennsylvania Remediation Land and Chemicals Division with the EPA.
World Resources recycles "EPA-listed and characteristic non-ferrous metal-bearing hazardous wastes, as well as non-hazardous wastes, by-products and other industrial residues," according to its website, www.worldresourcescompany.com.
Residents have from Wednesday to Sept. 27 to comment on the proposed decision by the EPA. Comments must be submitted in writing via mail, fax or email to EPA project manager Catheryn Blankenbiller.
Employees of the state Department of Environmental Protection Agency were also at Monday's meeting to a answer questions.
DEP representatives said later, however, that they were surprised about comments from the public about air quality.
"Would they test the air 24 hours a day?" said Irene Grabusky, a township resident.
Gotthold said questions about air quality are very common when dealing with industrial operations.
He said air monitoring is part of an air permit issued by a division of DEP. Officials at the meeting did not know about the permit but said air quality is monitored.
DEP does inspections once a year at the property. The company does not know when those inspections will occur, said Tracey McGurk, facilities supervisor with the waste management program of DEP.
"It's not a major source. I know that it's a small operation," she said of air emissions.
How often the air is monitored is determined by applicable laws, Gotthold said.
"I didn't realize air quality was such a big issue," McGurk said.
Township Supervisor Robert Kirwan agreed that air quality is a concern.
"I think the biggest problem is the air quality," he said.
"Already all these years we are putting up with odor. I think its time we did something about it," Grabusky said.
"In order to be able to do anything about any odors, we have to be able to verify it," Gotthold said. He advised residents to call 570-826-2511 with concerns.
One person asked what would happen if the company wanted to expand its operations.
McGurk said a permit would have to be reviewed and issued before that could occur.
The township currently has a hazardous waste and storage and treatment permit that was renewed in March 2012. It is good for 10 years.
The company is currently seeking a Class 2 permit that requires minor modifications, McGurk said. The company wants to add some tanks and upgrade containment areas, she said.
That application was submitted March 6 and a decision has not been made yet. A public comment period is required, she said.