Close Rockhill Quarry, Fitzpatrick Tells EPA

EAST ROCKHILL TOWNSHIP, PA — Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-1) is calling on newly confirmed EPA Administrator Michael Regan to permanently close the Rockhill Quarry.

The Bucks County congressman made Regan aware of the environmental issues surrounding the quarry, where asbestos was discovered in 2018, in a letter Thursday. He's also asking the EPA to conduct a full review of the geological tests previously submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

The quarry, located in East Rockhill Township and owned by Hanson Aggregates PA, LLC, has been active since it was first permitted for mining in 1976, according to the DEP website.

In 2017, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission awarded a contract to R.E. Pierson to mine the quarry for materials to be used for turnpike construction projects.

In December 2018, DEP was notified of a positive asbestos test result from a sample of rock collected at the quarry, leading to an immediate cessation order of all mining, rock crushing, sizing and other related activities.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring material that, when inhaled, can lead to serious lung conditions, including cancer.

The cessation remains in effect and Hanson still retains ownership of the site.

“Earlier tests conducted have shown that Hanson used modified testing procedures that have been deemed unacceptable by EPA and United States Geological Survey (USGS) standards, so direct intervention is without question justified,” Fitzpatrick wrote. “Throughout the course of the past year, we have seen constant delays and inaction from all parties involved. Since no action has been taken in conducting a multi-year investigation, the only way to ensure there is no threat to human health, and those living and attending school in the area, is to enact a permanent closure of the Rockhill Quarry.”

While the future of the quarry remains uncertain, Hanson intends to remove a minimum of 500 tons of materials from existing stockpiles at the quarry, collecting monthly water discharge samples, and routine site inspection and security detail, according to meeting minutes from an informational session held by DEP officials in February. Mining remains prohibited for as long as the cessation order is in effect.

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