Source: Erie Times-News (PA), December 9, 2012
Posted on: http://envfpn.advisen.com
Opponents additionally fear that seepage from the disposal wells would contaminate nearby Tamarack Swamp and that disposal operations would lower local property values, Prather said.
Wastewater injection plans meet federal environmental standards, and operations will be monitored to make sure that groundwater is not contaminated, EPA spokeswoman Terri White said Thursday.
EPA first issued final permits for the disposal wells in June 2011. Local residents appealed the decision to the federal Environmental Appeals Board, which last summer remanded the permits and ordered EPA to submit data showing that all water wells near the proposed disposal wells had been identified and considered in its decision.
EPA submitted the additional data in September.
Any appeal of EPA’s latest permit approval must be made in federal court by mid-January.
The state Department of Environmental Protection has also reviewed plans for the disposal wells but has not yet issued change-of-use permits required to operate the wells.
Representatives of both environmental agencies will answer questions about the wells and the permits required to operate them Wednesday.
“The people of Bear Lake asked for an opportunity to meet with us to get answers to their questions, and we want to ensure the process is transparent,” said Kelly Burch, DEP’s northwest regional director.