On November 14, 2003 the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) sent a five page response to Gibraltar Rock's non-coal mining application.  DEP's response sited "significant deficiencies” in Gibraltar Rock’s application. DEP is also requesting that Gibraltar Rock obtain signed waivers from local residents (see more below). 

Read the entire letter from DEP. (This letter is in Adobe Acrobat format. If you don't have Acrobat on your PC, you can download a copy at the Adobe Reader Web page.)

The letter, from Ignacy F. Nasilowski, geologist for the DEP, sites 44 issues that Gibraltar Rock will need to address.  Nasilowski states, “that if you ignore this request or fail to respond to all of the deficiencies by December 14, 2003, your application may be denied.” 

This letter is important to the residents of New Hanover Township because the listed deficiencies are not minor¾many are as complex as requiring Gibraltar Rock to provide a detailed plan that addresses the potential negative effects to the quality and quantity of water supply in the surrounding area.

Additional Plans

The DEP is requesting: a plan to monitor groundwater, a plan to demonstrate adequate amounts of backfill, a more detailed (phase by phase) plan on the sequence of operation, an erosion and sedimentation control plan, a detailed plan on how to maintain healthy wetlands and streams, a wetlands mitigation plan, details on the possible effects from proposed mining on the hydrologic balance (streams, ponds, and wetlands), and details on the anticipated depletion of ground water reserves for the proposed Heritage Senior Citizens facility, and the neighboring schools.

Asking Homeowners for Notarized Waivers 

In their application, Gibraltar Rock requested variances to many zoning ordinances and state regulations.  DEP is requesting that Gibraltar Rock obtain notarized waivers from some property owners and those owning land along Route 73, Route 663, Church Road, Hoffmansville Road, Coleflesh Road. One of the waivers they need is so they can obtain a permit for construction and operation of a tunnel under Hoffmansville Road.  The Paradise Watchdogs' attorney recommends that you DO NOT sign a waiver if approached.  

What You Can Do

Number 1 (and most important) do not sign any waivers. 

Number 2 - send a note or an email to Senator Wonderling, PA Rep. Raymond Bunt, and PA Rep. Mark Cohen asking them to keep the pressure on the DEP to continue being vigilante in its response to Gibraltar Rock.  Remember, the owners of Gibraltar Rock donate big bucks to Democrat and Republican local and state organizations---and money talks---we need to keep sending letters and emails to our elected representatives telling them we care.

To reach Senator Wonderling, see this page.

To reach the Hon. Ray Bunt, see this page.

To reach the Hon. Mark Cohen, see this page.