New route approved for Olympus Energy

By CHRISTINE HAINES

chaines@yourmvi.com

Despite objections from several residents and a request that the vote be delayed a month, the Elizabeth Township Commissioners unanimously approved a new truck route Monday for Olympus Energy.

The move is contingent upon approvals from the state and Allegheny County because the route utilizes state and county roads, but Olympus’ permit to operate in the township calls for the commissioners to approve all truck routes.

Resident Scott Taylor said the presence of the motion on the agenda to approve the route made it seem as if the commissioners had already discussed the matter prior to the meeting outside of public view.

“Should this not be part of a public hearing? How many people on that truck route know about it and have a chance to voice their concerns?” Taylor asked.

“We were told the county didn’t approve the use of Round Hill Road,” said resident Patty Hoffman. “Do they approve it now? How is this going to fit into the comprehensive plan in the same area people want to put in the trails?”

Resident Ted Grice asked for the motion to be tabled for more information.

“Get the information, see what the county has to say about it, then vote on it,” Grice said.

Solicitor Matt Racunas said a public hearing isn’t needed because it’s not a new permit and the item ended up on the agenda at his request after he was contacted by the company. Olympus representative Kim Price attended the meeting and presented information about the requested route change. Price said the new route is needed because the company’s current sand provider can’t meet all of its needs.

To read the rest of the story, please see a copy of Tuesday’s Mon Valley Independent, call 724-314-0035 to subscribe or subscribe to our online edition at http://monvalleyindependent.com.