After reviewing a letter on the PA Department of Environmental Protection website, it appears the Panther Creek Power plant in Nesquehoning applied for approval to burn tire shreds, otherwise known as tire-derived fuel in October 2016. PA-DEP didn’t take action on this application for over six years: In February 2023, it proposed approval in the Pennsylvania Bulletin (53 Pa.B. 1068). Why is DEP considering approving the permit now? Why when nature tourism is flourishing in Carbon County? Our forests, streams, rivers, and lakes provide scenic havens for outdoor enthusiasts and hunters alike. As a resident of Mahoning Township, I am concerned about the proposal to burn tire-derived fuel because prevailing winds blow from the Panther Creek Power plant over Mauch Chunk Lake. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency already concluded that burning tires creates significant emissions of toxic hydrocarbons and at least seven other carcinogens, including benzene, xylene, ethylene, and acetone. These toxins spew from the power plant and blow across our homes, property, and local farms; building up in the soil and water until the situation becomes hazardous and irreversible.

The DEP and the elected officials of Carbon County, and Nesquehoning need to fulfill their constitutional responsibilities under Article I, Section 27 of the Pennsylvania Constitution to protect their constituents from tire-derived fuels that endanger our health and welfare. Local legislation is also needed to ensure strong health and safety measures regarding the storage of tire shreds, including measures designed to minimize the possibility of tire-fires that are toxic and difficult to suppress. Additionally, local fire officials must be allowed to inspect on-site storage of tire shreds to ensure compliance with permitting rules, and to impose additional safety measures as needed. The burning of tire-derived fuels must be continuously regulated using technologies such as continuous emissions monitors, and toxic particle emissions must be minimized using electrostatic precipitators and other means currently available, but not in use at Panther Creek. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Carbon County is already home to 17 Superfund sites. Pennsylvania ranks 3rd among the states having the largest number of Superfund sites in the country.

Stephen Chuckra

Mahoning Twp.