Company gets go-ahead for underground limestone mine in Deemston
A Clarion County-based company has received the go-ahead to construct an underground limestone mine in Deemston.
The state Department of Environmental Protection on Jan. 21 approved a permit for Neiswonger Construction to build the 336-acre mine underneath the Maggie Lynn Limestone Quarry along Morey Road. Neiswonger has owned the quarry since 2012.
According to the permit, Neiswonger intends to expand the existing surface mine pits and construct entries for underground mining by room-and-pillar method to access the limestone.
Estimates are that it will take 30 to 35 years to extract the sedimentary rock.
Neiswonger also received a permit from DEP last month to install a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit for the site. A number of residents living near the quarry have complained about air quality, dust and related problems.
DEP conducted a public hearing in late August at East Bethlehem Volunteer Fire Company to solicit comments before deciding on the mine application. Neiswonger was not represented at that hearing.
DEP says on its website that on Oct. 23 and Nov. 18, the department “executed consent orders and agreements with Neiswonger Construction to address air quality and mining violations.
Neither Neiswonger Construction nor borough officials returned several phone calls seeking comment for this article.
It may be a while before work begins at the limestone mine. Lauren Camarda, regional communications manager for the EPA, said in an email that “the two permits issued to the company in January are the first in many steps” leading to opening the mine.
Camarda added that “Neiswonger will have to submit a mine opening plan for DEP review and approval, and then construct underground portals. The portal-development process often takes one to two years.”
It is not known how large of a workforce Neiswonger plans to have at the limestone mine.
The company intends to initially produce 250,000 tons of limestone per year, and gradually increase to 900,000 tons, in anticipation of rising demand.
Limestone is a valued and valuable commodity. It is composed mostly of calcium carbonate, and is commonly used for road and building construction and architectural applications for walls, decorative trim and veneer.
Crushed limestone is frequently used to stabilize foundations and enhance the durability of driveways.
As for valuable – the wholesale price has skyrocketed.
At the August hearing, the Observer-Reporter reported that Neiswonger “plans to discharge treated water in Tenmile Creek, which is classified as a trout-stocked fishery within the Monongahela River Watershed. The site also sits within a half-mile of East Bethlehem Township, a designated environmental justice area.”
Residents at that meeting expressed health concerns, including dust and trucks carrying limestone without employing tarp covers.
Kathy Martincic, who resides near the quarry, said at the meeting: “We understand that there is a demand for limestone and the price is increasing, making it an attractive commodity in today’s market. We also know that our health, the health of our children, and the health of the workers at the quarry are more valuable than a bucket of stone.”
Neiswonger Construction, headquartered in Strattanville, about 125 miles north of Deemston, has several quarries across the state. The company also is involved in demolition projects and providing oil and gas services. Neiswonger is participating in the razing of Century III Mall in West Mifflin.