Scranton Landfill Expansion Decision May Rest on Fees Paid to DEP

| | | |
government shakedownThe Keystone Sanitary Landfill is Pennsylvania's third busiest landfill--located on the outskirts of Scranton. The Keystone Landfill accepts drill cuttings from Marcellus drilling. Last year Keystone applied for a permit to expand the landfill once again--but instead of outward, they want to expand it upward, making it higher, to gain more capacity. At present about 10% of the incoming waste stream at the landfill is shale waste. The Pennsylvania Dept. of Environmental Protection (DEP) had, as of last summer, delayed granting the expansion request pending more study (see DEP Delays Scranton Landfill Expansion; Requires Study). As of April, the DEP was still studying Keystone's proposal (see DEP Still Studying Keystone Landfill Expansion, Plans 2nd Hearing). Finally there's been some "progress" on the issue. The DEP provided feedback to Keystone on which benefits in their application they would consider in making a decision, and which they would not. Among the benefits they won't consider is a donation to help restore the nearby Eddy Creek (destroyed by coal mining in the area). Among the benefits they will consider? Money paid to the DEP...

To view this content, log into your member account. (Not a member? Join Today!)