Municipal News
- Last Updated on Tuesday, 06 August 2013 21:00
By J.R. Brower
Ramaco LLC, who plans to develop a deep coal mine off Little Mingo Road, has applied to the state Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to build an access road to the mine site. It was revealed at the July 15 meeting of the Nottingham Board of Supervisors that CME Engineering notified the township that, on behalf of Ramaco, they have filed an application to PennDOT to install and maintain a low volume driveway onto State Route 1016 (Little Mingo Road). The application noted that the land is presently owned by the Mark and Amy Hudson Living Trust.
The deep mine, whose operations aren’t expected to begin for at least several years, has not yet received formal approval from the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Ramaco has agreed to comply with 62 fairly strict conditions insisted upon by the Nottingham Board which were written into the Conditional Use Agreement that was recently approved.
Residents and local government alike are deeply concerned about excessive truck traffic on Little Mingo Road that would result from the mine. In response to learning of Ramaco’s application to build a driveway, Board Chairman Peter Marcoline said that the township will draft a letter to PennDOT expressing those concerns. He said the letter will also include worries from the Ringgold School District about the negative effects of coal truck traffic upon students boarding school buses along the route.
In another matter, the board acknowledged receipt of notification from Tetra Tech that Sunoco Pipeline L.P. intends to apply for a DEP Water Obstruction and Enroachment permit for their Mariner East Pipeline Project. This project involves construction of a pipeline that will carry natural gas liquids through Nottingham Township from Houston, PA to Delmont.
The company has also informed the township that they will apply to the DEP for an Erosion and Sediment Control permit relating to earth disturbance that is associated with transmission facilities.
In other business at their July 15 meeting, the supervisors:
• Acknowledged receipt of the proposed “In and Out Ordinance” from the Planning Commission addressing the registration of renters within the township.
• Authorized an extra payment of $39,000 from the general fund to be paid towards the principal on the new municipal building.
• Authorized the advertisement of a 15-day notification period to begin an order to review a modification request to the existing Agricultural Security Area.
• Were notified that the 98th Annual Convention of the Washington County Association of Township Officials will be held on September 19 at the Double Tree Hilton in Washington. Registration will begin at 4:00 p.m. with the General Assembly at 5:00 p.m. and Dinner at 6:30 p.m.
• Received notice from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry that Nottingham Township is in compliance with the Uniform Construction Code pertaining to work that was available for inspection during the audit review for the new municipal building.
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