Allegheny Mineral Corp. has received the go-ahead for a mining operation near McConnells Mill State Park.

The state's Department of Environmental Protection issued a mining permit to Allegheny Mineral for limestone and incidental coal mining on 601.5 acres in Slippery Rock Township, Lawrence County.

At an informal meeting in July, many residents voiced concerns about the water table and complained about noise disturbing the peace at McConnells Mill State Park, especially the Hell's Hollow region, which the mining operation would be near.

Allegheny Mineral issued a statement Wednesday regarding the permit's approval and the concerns of residents near the operation.

“Allegheny Mineral is deeply committed to community safety and environmental protection across all of our operations, and to being a good neighbor in the community around Mine 57,” the statement said.

The DEP's Knox District Mining Office sent letters to those who signed up at the July meeting for future updates. The letters were signed by Christopher Yeakle, acting district mining manager for the Bureau of District Mining Operations at the Knox office.

“All comments we received were considered while reviewing the permit application, and we believe they were satisfactorily addressed by Allegheny Mineral Corp.'s proposed mining plan,” Yeakle stated in the letter.

30 days to appeal

Yeakle's letter also explained the appeals process. An appeal must be submitted to the state's Environmental Hearing Board within 30 days of receipt of the notice, which was dated Monday.

The permit application is available to the public.

The permit includes six stream encroachments, a wetland encroachment and a road variance for Fairview School Road.

“DEP gave careful consideration to the comments received from residents and Slippery Rock Township officials regarding the permit,” said Daniel Sammarco, DEP director of district mining operations.

Both McConnells Mill and Moraine State Park underwent reclamation to form the natural areas as they exist today.

“The park is there forever,” said Dustin Drew, park manager for both McConnells Mill and Moraine state parks.

Drew said the McConnells Mill park is a great place for people to visit and explore, despite activity happening outside of it. “There has been quarry activity around McConnells Mill for many years,” Drew said. “I think we still have great attendance there and a number of recreational activities available.”

Drew said decisions or reviews of mining operations are fully within the DEP's jurisdiction.

“We trust that as a sister agency they're upholding the regulations,” he said.

Drew said he understands the concerns that some visitors might have about the proximity of a mining operation, particularly to the Hell's Hollow area.

He said that area also has some natural benefits that could counter disturbances coming from outside the park.

“That is a popular area,” Drew said. “There is still a forest buffer from the park being there. That should and could help to some extent.”

The permit will allow Allegheny Mineral Corp. to surface mine 252 acres of Vanport Limestone with incidental coal removal of 252 acres of Lower Kittanning coal, 67 acres of Middle Kittanning coal and 12 acres of Upper Kittanning coal.The permit application can be viewed at the Lawrence County Conservation District, 430 Court St., New Castle, or the DEP’s Knox District Office, 310 Best Ave., Knox.For more information about the appeals process, visit http://ehb.courtapps.com or call the secretary of the board at 717-787-3483.