Schuylkill County officials met with state Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Jessica Shirley on May 28 to discuss three issues vexing residents.

Commissioners Chairman Larry L. Padora Jr. at a public meeting Wednesday reported on the talks, which focused on the proposed Immigration Customs Enforcement agency’s plan to convert a former warehouse near Tremont into a detention center for 7,500 undocumented immigrants, a sprawling and problematic construction waste landfill near St. Clair, and noxious odors emanating from processed human waste in Tremont.

There wasn’t much to report on the ICE facility. The federal Department of Homeland Security bought the 1.3-million square-foot building in January for $119 million.

DEP is concerned that the amount of water needed for the Schuylkill County center, which would house 7,500 inmates and 2,500 staff, would deplete the surrounding communities’ water supplies and sewage disposal would overwhelm local infrastructure.

On March 5, DEP issued orders restricting the center’s water consumption and waste discharge to no more than what the warehouse was permitted until DHS/ICE can prove, in writing, that no adverse effects would happen.

DHS immediately challenged the orders.

“DHS is vigorously defying the appeals, and it appears that DHS will not proceed until the appeals are resolved,” Padora said.

Further, new DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin has suspended the purchase of any new warehouse purchases pending a review. Depending on the results of the review, that could mean the detention center plans would evaporate.

The 252-acre Blythe Recycling and Demolition Site (BRADS) landfill, along Burma Road in Blythe Township, has been troublesome since it opened in 2019. Among other problems, the landfill emits pungent hydrogen sulfide gas, which makes residents’ throats burn and eyes water.

DEP recently granted the landfill permission to continue operating until 2035, on the condition, among others, that it install a gas collection system to stop the noxious fumes.

BRADS, which may buy an additional adjacent 177 acres it now leases from Reading Anthracite, has also asked DEP to double its intake from 1,500 tons to 3,000 tons — a request the county fully intends to oppose.

The landfill could reach its full capacity within 20 years at the current intake, Padora said.

“So the earliest BRADS could apply to expand the landfill is approximately 15 years,” he said.

Further, the only waste allowed to be hauled through St. Clair would be debris from that borough.

Also, BRADS and the state Department of Transportation have reached an agreement on the maintenance and repair of Burma Road, including bonding, Padora said.

He also said DEP has concerns about BRADS parent company Waste Connections. He did not elaborate.

The final issue involves Natural Soil Products, Tremont. The biosolids — processed human waste — facility has emitted foul fumes for years, forcing residents to stay inside and keep their windows closed.

People have complained, but, Padora said, by the time DEP arrives, the odors sometimes dissipate.

DEP “will soon be releasing proposed changes to its biosolids land application permit process, and the county will review and comment,” Padora said.

He advised people to call DEP at 570-826-2511 to report odors.

However, many people in the audience pointed out that no one answers the phone.