A huge controversy is brewing in the Coal Region of Pennsylvania.
 If the "Army" had their way, this is how it would stay. | As part of mine reclamation projects, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has a approved a plan to use River Sludge from New York to reclaim a mine pit in Tamaqua, Pennsylvania. The Springdale Pit, a huge open pit left over from strip mining of Anthricite coal, is going to be filled up with River Sludge and Coal Fly Ash. The former surface mine pit is 300 feet deep, 2,500 feet long and 1,200 feet wide and straddles the boundaries of Coaldale, Summit Hill and Tamaqua boroughs. The DEP says its's safe and is a good way to reclaim the land left over from unsightly and more environmentally dangerous coal mining. Once the pit is filled, it can be used for parks, businesses, and homes. Right now it's an ugly mess. |
But despite the fact that the pit is unsightly and dangerous, concerned citizens have formed a grassroots organization called The Army For a Clean Environment. This "Amry" is led by local lawyer, Dante Picciano, who uses scare tactics and junk science to whip the citizens into an uproar.
From Times News On-line
[Kathleen] McGinty, secretary of the state Department of Enviromental Protection (DEP), came to town to conduct a DEP public meeting to learn what locals think about the government's decision to allow 'beneficial use' of river sludge and a fly ash/sludge mixture.
The combination, what many call a toxic cocktail, could be dumped into Springdale Pit.
McGinty was on the hotseat for most of the emotionally-charged session. A few dozen local residents sounded off with a barrage of opinons and questions about an issue in which the voice of the people has been largely ignored by a state environmental agency that McGinty said is "making tough decisions."
But the most dramatic moment took place 75 minutes into the meeting. Dr. Dante Picciano, Esq., founder of the 750-member Army for a Clean Environment, quietly awaited his turn at the microphone. As he stepped up and announced his name, he was welcomed by a standing ovation in tribute to his dedicated labors to protect his hometown region.
Using typical environmentalist ploys, citizens used their children as props, as their children held up signs and begged the big bad DEP not to killl them.
One of the most touching questions came from 8-year-old Peter Baddick of St. Jerome Regional School.
"Why are you contaminating my water? I want to live a good life. It could make me sick and die," said the youngster.
Despite no real scientific evidence to back up their claims of pollution and long term damage, the people of Tamaqua follow Picciano's lead, even resorting to childish tactics when they don't get their way
"We have not yet begun to fight," declared Picciano, to a roar of applause.
Picciano's next question cut to the heart of the matter.
"Is there anything we can do to change your mind about this permit," he asked McGinty.
McGinty paused slightly, and then responded: "We stand by our decision."
At that point, Picciano turned and exited the auditorium and 500 stood up and followed him. The mass exodus left about 120 scattered around the room, some remaining to voice specific concerns to the DEP staff.
It seems that nearly everyone in the area is scared to death of the dumping in the Springdale pit, thanks in part to Mr. Picciano who has set himself up as a powerful demagogue.
The DEP which is the state agency charged to protect our environment from pollution has the labs and trained personnel to know for sure what is safe or not. They know from experience that the material to be dumped in the pit is safe, and is a good way to reclaim the unsightly pit.
Our environment, both state and nationwide, has been and is continually cleaner now than in many many years. Mr. Picciano has anointed himself the only one who knows better then Kathleen McGinty and her entire staff what is environmentally safe.
He has convinced hundreds of good and concerned people to join his "Army For a Clean Environment" to stop the Springdale pit dumping.
By following his lead, they have stopped thinking for themselves as evidenced by the childish mass exodus out of the meeting on Monday when 500 sheep followed Mr. Picciano out of the meeting with DEP secretary Kathleen McGinty watching.
I sincerely hope these well intentioned people start thinking for themselves, start making their own decisions, and stop believing the junk science propagated by Picciano's "Army".
Posted by psugrad98 at March 25, 2004 11:59 AM
