DEP to host public hearing on Smith Township site
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The state Department of Environmental Protection will host a public meeting and hearing next Thursday at the Smith Township municipal building to discuss land in Slovan that formerly was the site of a zinc smelting facility.
The meeting will outline a proposed consent order and agreement with Cyprus Amax Minerals Co., which currently owns the property. Company officials approached the DEP with a proposal to test for hazardous elements in the soil, such as lead, cadmium and arsenic. John Poister, spokesman for the DEP, said a soil sample could determine whether those elements are present.
“The purpose of the hearing is mainly to inform the community, the people who are affected, and let them ask questions,” Poister said.
American Zinc and Chemical Co. operated a smelting facility there from 1917 to 1947, and no environmental emissions control laws were in place at that time. Emissions from the plant could have deposited metals in the soil of the surrounding area.
If contaminants are found in the soil, additional samples would be taken in areas surrounding the plant. Then, the contaminated top layer of soil would be replaced at no cost to the property owner. The DEP would absorb the cleanup cost.
Poister said Cyprus, the successor company, wants to ensure that the soil is safe, likely as a safeguard for possible future development of the property.
“What makes this interesting is the fact that they actually are trying to do the right thing,” Poister said. “They want to clean this up.”
Thomas Schilinski, chairman of Smith Township’s board of supervisors, said he hopes the soil samples can be taken soon in order to promote growth in the future.
“It would be nice if we can get it cleaned up and possibly put some industry in there,” he said.
Neither Schilinski nor Poister knew the exact location of the property.
The hearing will be held at 6:30 p.m. inside the municipal building at 1848 Smith Township State Road, Slovan. Those who wish to present testimony or comments during the public hearing are asked to call Poister at 412-442-4203 to register. Residents also can sign up at the door prior to the hearing.