LAWRENCE COUNTY Granges oppose fly ash dump

The annual paving project will begin soon.
By Mary Grzebieniak
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
HILLSVILLE, Pa. -- Lawrence County Granges representing about 500 members have announced their opposition to a proposed fly ash dump.
A letter signed by Grange Master Harold Kerr was presented by Jayne Jacobson, a township resident, at a meeting of Mahoning Township supervisors Tuesday.
Grange members oppose locating the dump on Erskine Resources property on Erskine Quarry Road in the township because they believe the runoff is dangerous.
They also fear that air quality will be affected because the fly ash would not have to be covered until the project is completed.
Concerns about hazards caused by increased truck traffic on the narrow roads and the impact on wetlands and wildlife also were cited.
The letter was from Pomona Grange 65, which represents all Granges in Lawrence County, and from the township's Mahoning Valley Grange 1649.
It asks that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Bureau of Mines and Reclamation, and any other government agencies involved, refuse to issue permits.
Jacobson said the letter has been sent to the state Grange, which lobbies the Legislature.
Supervisors took no action on the letter.
Chairman Poncho Exposito said the only word the township has received about the project is a list of actions quarry owners must take before they can submit a permit.
Supervisors told residents that landscaping of areas disturbed by the recent waterline construction should be completed by June 22.
Landowners with other types of damage from the construction should call the municipal building and officials will notify the contractor, who has until the first week in August to restore the area to its previous condition.
Paving project: Exposito reported the annual paving project will start soon and will cost $95,953.
Streets to be paved are Overlook, Churchill from the overpass south to the stop sign, Carbon Micco south of U.S. Route 224, Rich Avenue, East Main from Churchill past the cemetery, Francis, DeBernardo and Gennaro drives and Hillsville, North Ambrosia, Ambrosia, Baird and East River roads.
He also reported the township is contacting the bonding company of a logging company for reimbursement for damage that its trucks have caused to River Road.
Supervisors agreed to sell an old Chevy Blazer to the fire department for $1,000. The vehicle, which needs engine work and front end repair before it can be used, will be kept at the Baird Road station and used for first response.
Exposito abstained from voting on the motion because he is a member of the fire department.
Officials reminded residents that grant applications are still being accepted Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the municipal building for help with waterlines. The grants are available to low- and moderate-income residents.