Pennsylvania Agency Holds Meeting to Discuss Cleanup of Closed Scrap Yard

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection recently held a public meeting and hearing to outline its plan to clean up a former scrap yard in Rochester, Pa.

Marino Brothers operated a three-acre scrap yard from the 1920s to 1998, when the business closed and the land was donated to Rochester Borough. Most of the scrap and equipment has been removed, and all buildings have been demolished. Since 1998, DEP has conducted several investigations at the site and determined that contaminants are present in amounts exceeding statewide health standards.

“Through DEP’s Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act (HSCA), we are proposing that all scrap and waste be removed so the area can be covered with clean fill and soil, seeded and mulched to grow vegetation,” says George Jogovic, Jr., regional director of the DEP’s Southwest Region. “We plan to pursue any viable responsible parties for cost recovery.”

The estimated cost for this cleanup, which DEP believes will address threats to human health and the environment in the most cost-effective manner, is $800,000.

In addition to the removal of surface waste, remedial action at the site would include erosion repair on the site's sloped areas, stabilization of the areas and stormwater control to prevent future erosion. Deed restrictions will likely be necessary to safeguard against any unsafe future use of site groundwater.

As required under HSCA, the administrative record will be open for review and comment until Feb. 18.