Buzzi Unicem said Tuesday that Hercules Cement Co. will not deepen the east end of its quarry just outside Stockertown.
The company said it took the action “following extensive engagement” with the state Department of Environmental Protection and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
“Over the past few years, the company has worked closely with PADEP and PAFBC to evaluate the proposed project and address technical and environmental considerations,” Bethlehem-based Buzzi Unicem said in a statement. “While these discussions have been constructive, the company has determined that it is appropriate at this time to withdraw the application while continuing to explore different alternative long-term options.”
The company said it has made “significant investments” at the Stockertown quarry, including a state-of-the-art pumping system and backup power generation capabilities to support operations during power outages.
The pumping system is essential to quarry operations and discharges quarry in-flow water that supplements the naturally intermittent flow of water in the adjacent Bushkill Creek
Thousands of fish were killed in June 2020 when a lightning strike damaged pumps at the Hercules Cement Plant, knocking out water supply to a significant portion of the Bushkill Creek in Tatamy. A 2-mile section of the creek was completely dry while an area further south had hardly any water.
Buzzi Unicem said withdrawal of the permit application will not affect current operations.