PROSPECT — The DEP had to pull out extra chairs to accommodate the more than 50 people who attended its public comment meeting on mining permits Tuesday night.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection held the meeting at Moraine State Park Office No. 2 to take comments on the mining permit application submitted by Allegheny Mineral Corp.

The DEP has until Oct. 1 to rule on the permit.

The company's application for a permit to mine limestone in Slippery Rock Township, Lawrence County, saw zero positive feedback from residents attending the meeting.

Joe Poerschke, a resident of Hines Camp Road, said mining operations have ruined McConnells Mill, especially the area known as Hell's Hollow, a place he grew up exploring.

“Will there be a quiet spot left in Hell's Hollow?” Poerschke asked. “The solitude of the park is ruined.”

When questioned about hours of operation, the company replied it works the sites from 5:30 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. the following day six days per week.

During that time, blasting occurs and heavy equipment is operated.

The company did not comment on quiet hours.

Thomas Hall, a resident of Fairview School Road, said mining operations have hurt the housing market.

“I can't afford to give my house away and move,” Hall said. “The idea is we're not happy about this.”

Toward the end of the meeting Hall spoke a second time, asking for anyone in favor of declining the application to raise their hands. More than 20 hands were raised. Most were township residents.

“I moved out here years ago,” he said. “I want to know how this is going to affect my world.”

Daryl Lewis, chief engineer for Allegheny Mineral, said the company cannot do anything about the market value of homes in the area.

With each comment by a resident came a similar sentiment that their opinions will not affect the chances of the permit.

Jennifer Cross, a resident of Everbridge Road, said she did not believe the comments would force the department to decline the permit, but she asked the company directly for more support.

“We need cooperation too. I understand this is a business, but we are the community where you do business. We need a little respect,” Cross said.

The mining company has nine permits in the vicinity of McConnells Mill State Park, known as the Princeton Site, in Slippery Rock Township, Lawrence County.

Tim Danehy of the Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition, said he has worked with Allegheny Mineral before on projects that have been mutually beneficial.

“Allegheny Mineral has been a partner with the coalition for many years,” Danehy said. “I wanted to voice my support for (the company) because they do partner with the community.”

Mark Snyder of Snyder Associated Companies, the holding company of Allegheny Mineral, said he appreciated the comments from the public.

“These are good suggestions that they offered. We are community-minded,” Snyder said. “We'll take a look at it.”

Snyder said much of the pushback seen at the meeting did not come as a surprise.

“It's not unlike any other community we have mining operations in,” he said.

According to Jonathan Kolbe, vice president of Allegheny Mineral, the company employs about 40 people at the Princeton site and 200 companywide. He said the coal they mine also goes toward jobs for the truckers, gas stations and other accessory companies.

“It ends up being a trickle-down effect,” Kolbe said.