Zoning plan restricts Union Twp. mining

NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Mining and mineral extraction in Union Township would be restricted to an area between the Shenango River and the north side of U.S. Route 422, under a proposed zoning amendment.
Township supervisors had a public hearing on the amendment Thursday. Another hearing will be Oct. 18, just before the supervisors' regular meeting at 7 p.m. at the township municipal building. The time for the hearing has not been set. Adoption of the amendment is expected at the meeting.
Supervisor Steve Galizia said that mining was "somehow overlooked" and not included as a land use in the recently revised zoning ordinance. If a use is not mentioned, it would be allowed anywhere, even in residential neighborhoods. The amendment makes mining a conditional use, which means it would not be allowed except by a vote of supervisors.