WILLIAMSPORT – The Department of Environmental Protection will hold a public meeting at 6:30 p.m. followed by a public hearing at 8 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 23, to discuss and accept testimony on a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permit application by Sandy Ridge Wind LLC for a wind turbine project in Blair and Centre counties.
The NPDES permit would address stormwater runoff from the construction of gravel roads, parking areas and concrete pads associated with 28 wind turbines, transmission lines and a substation.
The meeting and hearing will be held at the Fraternal Order of Police Bald Eagle Lodge 51, 1979 Reese Hollow Road, Port Matilda.
“This meeting and hearing were requested by environmental organizations, and DEP wanted to give them an opportunity to present their concerns and ask questions,” said DEP Northcentral Regional Director Robert Yowell.
The project will include turbines in Snyder Township, Blair County, and Rush and Taylor townships in Centre County.
During the public meeting, the applicant and DEP staff will present information on the project and the NPDES stormwater permitting process, and then answer questions.
Citizens may present oral testimony for a maximum of five minutes at the public hearing. Written testimony of any length also will be accepted that evening. Citizens who wish to present oral testimony may register the night of the public hearing.
The testimony will be recorded by a court reporter and transcribed into a written document. DEP will respond to all relevant comments at the time it makes a final decision on the application.
The permit application is available for public review at the DEP Northcentral Regional Office, 208 West Third St., Suite 101, Williamsport, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. An appointment must be made by calling Kathy Arndt at 570-327-3693.
Individuals in need of an accommodation as provided for in the Americans With Disabilities Act should contact Daniel Spadoni at 570-327-3659 or through the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at 1-800-654-5984 (TDD) to discuss how DEP may accommodate you.
For more information, call 570-327-3659 or visit www.depweb.state.pa.us keyword: Stormwater.