The Pennsylvania House has approved a bill introduced by Representative Zach Mako to ensure prompt communication of environmental violations at quarries and landfills. This legislation was prompted by a delay in 2018 when Whitehall Township and its residents were not immediately informed about the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s notice of non-compliance issued to a local landfill for high levels of PCBs.
Mako stated, “While there have been no recent environmental violations at the quarry that I am aware of, this legislation is needed so residents can be assured that they are alerted to anything that could possibly negatively affect their health or safety.” He added, “Quarry and landfill operators should be good neighbors. I’m hopeful the Senate will vote on this bill quickly so that delayed notification doesn’t occur in the future.”
House Bill 1302 mandates the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to send municipalities any notices of non-compliance it receives from the EPA concerning violations under the Toxic Substances Control Act and Solid Waste Management Act.
The bill now awaits consideration by the Senate.
Representative Mako serves areas within Lehigh County, including parts of South Whitehall, Washington, Whitehall townships, Slatington Borough; and parts of Northampton County such as Allen, Lehigh and Moore townships, North Catasauqua, Northampton and Walnutport boroughs.
For further information or media inquiries, contact Tracy Polovick at 717-260-6358 or tpolovick@pahousegop.com.
