WILLIAMSPORT – The Department of Environmental Protection has denied a biosolids processing permit application submitted by Ag Lime Processing LLC in Buffalo Township, Union County, because the company did not provide all of the necessary information within the mandated time frame.
“Ag Lime has had more than six months to adequately respond to our August 2008 technical deficiency letter,” said DEP Northcentral Regional Director Robert Yowell. “The company has been unable to obtain zoning approval from Buffalo Township as required by acts 67 and 68 of 2000.”
In addition to the zoning issue, Ag Lime also failed to address two other technical deficiencies, including revising its plans to show that the facility location had been moved, and recording a landowner consent form with the Union County Recorder of Deeds.
Ag Lime submitted a biosolids processing permit application to DEP in early June 2008. The company wanted DEP approval to build and operate a facility that would take 600 tons per day of municipal biosolids, mix it with stabilization materials, and sell the finished product for agricultural purposes and other land applications.
DEP held a Local Municipality Involvement Process meeting in late July 2008 so that Ag Lime could explain the project to local, county and state officials, and listen to their concerns.
DEP also explained its permit review process and the opportunity for public involvement during the meeting.
The department gave Ag Lime a 90-day extension for its response to the technical deficiency letter in early November, establishing a new deadline of Feb. 2. The company addressed one technical deficiency, but requested another 90-day extension to respond to the remaining issues.
Biosolids are nutrient-rich organic materials derived from wastewater solids that have been stabilized, meet specific processing and quality criteria, and are suitable for land application.
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