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Rock Hill Quarry

The Rock Hill Quarry, owned by Hanson Aggregates PA, LLC, located in East Rockhill Township, Bucks County, has been active since it was first permitted in 1976. In 2017, R.E. Pierson was awarded a contract from the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission for turnpike construction projects and was the contract operator of the Rock Hill Quarry. In May 2020, Hanson and Pierson terminated their contract; Hanson will remain the owner/permittee, while Pierson will no longer operate at this site.

Information concerning applications and approvals associated with the quarry operations can be found below. Additional related documents may be found in DEP files maintained at the Pottsville District Mining or Southeast Regional Office. For more information on scheduling a file review, please visit DEP's Public Records page.

Note: The review of air quality applications is completed by the Southeast Regional Office. Persons wishing to review the public file for the applications associated with the project should schedule a file review with the appropriate office.

Site Facts

Municipality: East Rock Hill Township
Permitted Since: 1976
Owner: Hanson Aggregates PA, LLC
Operator: R.E. Pierson
Permits Currently Issued:
1. Surface Mining Permit (requires modification)
2. NPDES Permit (renewed November 2018; under appeal here)

Current Status

As of October 23, 2020, mining and related activities remain under a cessation order.

On December 5, 2018, DEP was notified of a positive asbestos test result from a sample of rock collected at the Quarry. DEP immediately ordered the cessation of all mining, rock crushing, sizing, and other related activities. The cessation will remain in effect until rescinded, in writing, by DEP. More information regarding the asbestos investigation can be found below.

Certain activities at the site are still permissible, most notably, sampling/monitoring activities and the removal of equipment. The cessation will remain in place until all the following items are submitted, reviewed, and deemed satisfactory by DEP:

  • Enhanced Asbestos Assessment Plan – not yet submitted to DEP
  • Qualitative Geologic Survey Report – under review
  • Asbestos Air Monitoring Plan/Fugitive Dust and Asbestos Mitigation Plan – under review by DEP

On April 2, 2020, DEP was notified that Hanson Aggregates Pennsylvania LLC and R.E. Pierson Materials had terminated Pierson’s lease to operate and quarry at Rock Hill. As Pierson was the permittee for the air quality permits, DEP worked with them to close out their existing permits. As of June 3, the status of Pierson’s Air Quality permits is as follows:

  • Primary Crusher (Plan Approval 09-0241) - expired on May 30; the facility was never constructed
  • Asphalt Plant (GP13-09-0001) and associated diesel engines (GP9-09-0084) - permits are inactive and no longer valid; the facility was never constructed
  • Portable Crusher (GP3-09-0157) and associated diesel engines (GP9-09-0083) - permits are no longer valid; equipment has been removed from the site

At this time, the long-term future of the Rock Hill Quarry is still undetermined. As DEP works with the current owner/permittee to collect additional necessary data, the department is continuing to evaluate all available information and resources, including that which has been shared by stakeholders, sister agencies, and the community. The health and safety of residents, employees, and the environment remains a top priority and DEP is committed to continued transparency as the future of the site is evaluated.

Community Updates

To subscribe to updates, please send an email to RA-EPMining@pa.gov

Non-Coal Surface Mining

On June 13, 2019, DEP reviewed and approved the revised NOV abatement plan submitted on May 9, 2019, to address the erosion and sedimentation improvements to the Sediment Trap 1 area at the Rock Hill Quarry.

On May 9, 2019, DEP received a revised abatement plan in response to DEP's notice of violation contained in the March 22, 2019, Non-Coal inspection report from Hanson Aggregates, PA, LLC for Rock Hill Quarry. 

On March, 18, 2019, Hanson Aggregates Revised SMP Module 16 – Large Noncoal Blast Plan, and Module 17 – Air Pollution and Noise Control Plan.

On November 28, 2018, DEP corrected existing permit No. 7974SM1, the purpose of the correction was to renew the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit No. PA0594121.

On November 27, 2018, DEP received the bond submittal information from Hanson Aggregates PA, LLC for the Rock Hill Quarry in the amount of $1,248,220.

On October 25, 2018, Hanson Aggregates sent a response to DEP's September 6, 2018 and October 3, 2018 Technical Deficiency Letters.

On October 3, 2018, DEP sent a Technical Deficiency Letter to Hanson Aggregates.

On September 6, 2018, DEP sent a Technical Deficiency Letter to Hanson Aggregates.

On July 19, 2018, Hanson Aggregates submitted a permit update to DEP.

On June 20, 2018, Hanson Aggregates submitted a permit update to DEP.

On June 14, 2018, Hanson Aggregates submitted a permit update to DEP.

On June 7, 2018, Hanson Aggregates sent a response to DEP's May 3, 2018 Technical Deficiency Letter.

On May 22, 2018, Hanson Aggregates submitted a permit update to DEP.

On May 3, 2018, DEP sent a Technical Deficiency Letter to Hanson Aggregates.

On April 6, 2018, Hanson Aggregates submitted a permit update to DEP.

On February 21, 2018, DEP received an update of the Rock Hill Quarry Module 16: Large Noncoal Blast Plan from Hanson Aggregates PA, LLC.

On February 20, 2018, DEP received updated permit documents and bond increment application from EarthRes Group, Inc., in response to the Technical Deficiency Letter that was sent to Hanson Aggregates PA, Inc., on January 22, 2018.

On January 22, 2018, DEP sent a Technical Deficiency letter to Hanson Aggregate PA, LLC, requesting updated permit modules and a Bonding Increment Application with updated calculations.

On December 28, 2017, DEP requested a bond adjustment for Rock Hill Quarry, including updated Module10: Operational Information and Module 18: Reclamation Map information.

On December 18, 2017, DEP sent a Notice of Permit Correction to revise Module 3: Ownership/Compliance information to acknowledge R.E. Pierson Materials Corporation Mining License No. 20880 and Mellott Company, Mining License No. 1890, as contractor Operators on Rock Hill Quarry mine site.

On March 15, 1989, DEP issued a NPDES permit renewal and correction with a new NPDES permit number.

On July 19, 1978, DEP approved a NPDES Individual Permit – Noncoal to Hanson Aggregates PA, LLC for Rock Hill Quarry.

On October 13, 1976, DEP issued a Mine Drainage Permit to East Rockhill Township, Bucks County.

Inspection Reports – Non-Coal Surface Mining



Expand AllClick here for a more accessible version


Air Quality

Compliance and Enforcement Information – Air Quality

Consent Assessment of Civil Penalty – Air Quality

On September 4, 2019, DEP entered into a Consent Assessment of Civil Penalty with R.E. Pierson Materials Corporation for the May 24, 2018 violation for poured foundations for the primary crusher, installed structural steel for the primary crusher feed hopper and brought associated equipment such as conveyors and screen components on-site at Rick Hill Quarry without a valid, issued plan approval or operating permit from DEP.

Plan Approvals & Operating Permits – Air Quality

On June 2, 2020, DEP sent an acknowledgment letter to R.E. Pierson Material Corporation for their May 22, 2020 request to allow the plan approval to expire and that R.E. Pierson no longer needs the general permits at the Rockhill Quarry. 

On May 22, 2020, DEP received three letters from Compliance Plus Services on behalf of R.E. Pierson for the expiration and discontinuation of coverage under General Permits GP13-09-0001 and GP9-09-0084 related to the proposed operation of a Hot Mix Asphalt Plant; General Permits GP3-09-0157 & GP9-09-0083, for portable non-metallic mineral processing plant and related internal combustion engines; and Plan Approval No. 09-0241, the construction of a 1,000 ton/hour non-metallic mineral processing plant.

On December 5, 2018, DEP issued a plan approval to R.E. Pierson Materials Corporation to construct a 1,000 ton per hour nonmetallic mineral processing plant equipped with a wet dust suppression system, which will result in the existing Surface Mining Permit to be revised.

On September 7, 2018, DEP issued 2 General Plan Approval and General Operating Permits to R.E. Pierson Materials Corporation.

On March 14, 2018, DEP issued 2 General Plan Approval and General Operating Permits to R.E. Pierson Materials Corporation to replace the equipment in the General Permits issued on December 27, 2017.

  • GP9-09-0083 - Diesel or No. 2 Fuel-Fired Internal Combustion Engines to Power an Existing Portable Nonmetallic Mineral Processing Plant
  • GP3-09-0157 – Portable nonmetallic mineral processing plant

On December 27, 2017, DEP issued 2 General Plan Approval and General Operating Permits to R.E. Pierson Materials Corporation.

Inspection Reports - Air Quality

Notices of Violations - Air Quality

On May 30, 2018, DEP received the abatement plan in response to the Notice of Violation.

On May 24, 2018, DEP issued a Notice of Violation for poured foundations for the primary crusher, installed structural steel for the primary crusher feed hopper, and brought associated equipment such as conveyors and screen components on-site at the facility without a valid, issued plan approval or operating permit from DEP.

Correspondence - Air Quality

On May 17, 2019, DEP received the proposed Asbestos Air Monitoring and Fugitive Dust and Asbestos Mitigation Plans for Rock Hill Quarry from R. E. Pierson Material Corporation.

On January 4, 2019, DEP sent comments on the draft Asbestos Air Monitoring Plan for the East Rock Hill Quarry Site.

On December 21, 2018, R.E. Pierson Materials Corporation submits their Draft Asbestos Air Monitoring Plan for the Rock Hill Quarry Site.

On August 30, 2018, DEP received General Permit Applications for Hot Mix Asphalt Plant and Temporary Diesel Engines from Fox Rothschild, LLP.

On August 20, 2018, DEP received a letter from East Rockhill Township Board of Supervisors in respect to the pending air quality permit application for Hot Mix Asphalt Plant and Temporary Diesel Engines submitted by R.E. Pierson Materials Corporation.

On August 15, 2018, DEP sent a letter to R.E. Pierson Material Corporation for Visible Emissions Test Protocols for opacity testing on the portable crusher at Rock Hill Quarry.

On August 3, 2018, DEP received revised portions of the general plan approval and general operating permit application and revised emission calculations for the construction and operation of a portable hot mix asphalt plant and three temporary diesel generators to be located at Rock Hill Quarry.

On July 23, 2018, DEP received a letter from East Rockhill Township in response to R.E. Pierson Materials Corporation's submission for 1000 ton per hour crushing and screening plant application.

Naturally Occurring Asbestos Information

Summary

The Rock Hill Quarry is large noncoal surface mine. The mineral actinolite, which can sometimes contain asbestos fibers has been found at the site. The Department has therefore required testing and investigations to determine if actual asbestos fibers are present within the rock being mined and in future mining areas. The initial and subsequent investigation and sampling did not identify asbestos. However, in December 2018, a rock sample tested positive for asbestos fibers. The Department, upon notice of the positive sample analysis, ceased all mining and crushing activities at the site, and they remain ceased at this time. The Department also required additional testing, sampling and investigation be undertaken at the site; and a plan outlining that proposed work will be submitted to the Department.

Timeline

On October 22, 2020, DEP received correspondence from East Rockhill Township regarding the October 9, 2020 letter from Hanson Aggregate Pennsylvania, LLC and the minimum tonnage removal requirement.

On October 13, 2020, DEP approved Hanson Aggregate Pennsylvania, LLC’s September 18, 2020 work plan for Hydroseeding 4 areas of the Quarry. A DEP inspector will be on site for the duration of the activity; no earth moving equipment will be used and a maximum speed limit of 15 MPH will be adhered to.

On October 9, 2020, DEP received correspondence from Hanson Aggregate Pennsylvania, LLC regarding the annual minimum tonnage removal requirement.

On October 6, 2020, DEP sent response letters to East Rockhill Township Board of Supervisors and Rockhill Environmental Preservation Alliance regarding comments made about the analysis of Rock Hill Quarry water and rock samples submitted to DEP by Hanson Aggregate Pennsylvania, LLC on August 14, 2020.

On September 18, 2020, DEP received correspondence from Hanson Aggregate Pennsylvania, LLC, outlining its revegetation plan for the Rock Hill Quarry site. This plan has been accepted by DEP.

On September 17, 2020, DEP received comments from East Rockhill Township on Hanson Aggregate Pennsylvania LLC’s, August 14, 2020 TEM and petrographic analysis submission.

On September 16, 2020, DEP received a letter from the PA Department of Health, responding to a Fall 2019 request made by DEP for an environmental health consultation concerning environmental and human health risks of exposure to naturally occurring asbestos at the Rockhill Quarry.

On September 1, 2020, DEP received correspondence from Rockhill Environmental Preservation Alliance and a technical memorandum from Erskine Environmental Consulting, Inc., with comments on the August 14, 2020 submission from Hanson regarding TEM and petrographic analysis.

On August 14, 2020, DEP received correspondence from Hanson Aggregate Pennsylvania LLC, which included the requested TEM and petrographic analysis, a requirement under DEP’s April 17 response to comments on the Qualitative Geologic Survey Report. The purpose of this information is to determine the extent and distribution of Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA) at the site. DEP’s review of this submission began on August 17.

On August 13, 2020, DEP received an email from Rockhill Environmental Preservation Alliance regarding sampling and analysis methods, the future of the site, and continued concerns about Naturally Occurring Asbestos at the quarry.

On August 4, 2020, DEP sent an acknowledgement letter to East Rockhill Township Board of Supervisors for their July 24, 2020 letter regarding their concern of the August 14, 2020 extension which was given to Hanson Aggregates Pennsylvania, LLC, for submission of rock sample testing results as a result of its desire to ensure that a more inclusive analytic methodology would be followed.

On July 31, 2020, DEP sent an time extension approval letter to R.E. Pierson Materials Corporation to continue removing equipment from the Rock Hill Quarry site until August 14, 2020.

On July 30, 2020, DEP received an email from R. E. Pierson Materials Corporation requesting an additional two more weeks to remove equipment from the Rock Hill Quarry site.

On July 24, 2020, DEP received a letter from East Rockhill Township Board of Supervisors expressing concern from the Residents of the Township about the extended deadline that DEP gave to Hanson Aggregates Pennsylvania, LLC, for reporting transmission electron microscopy and petrographic analysis of rock samples until August 14, 2020.

On July 23, 2020, DEP sent a letter to Rockhill Environmental Preservation Alliance, Inc., responding to their July 8, 2020 correspondence outlining the extended deadline to August 14, 2020 for the submission of rock sample testing results as a result of its desire to ensure that a more inclusive analytic methodology will be followed that was mentioned in DEP’s April 17, 2020 letter to Hanson Aggregates Pennsylvania, LLC.

On July 8, 2020, DEP received a letter from Rockhill Environmental Preservation Alliance regarding the extension of the due date from June 30, 2020 until August 14, 2020 for reporting TEM and petrographic analysis of rock samples described in DEP’s April 17, 2020 letter to Hanson Aggregates Pennsylvania. LLC.

On July 2, 2020, DEP sent an approval letter to Hanson Aggregates extending the due date for TEM and petrographic analysis of rock samples described in DEP’s April 17, 2020 letter from June 30, 2020 until August 14, 2020.

On July 2, 2020, DEP sent an approval letter to R.E. Pierson Materials Corporation’s request for an extension until July 31, 2020 to remove equipment from the Rock Hill Quarry site.

On July 2, 2020, DEP received an email from R.E. Pierson Materials Corporation requesting additional time to remove equipment from the Rock Hill Quarry site until July 31, 2020.

On July 2, 2020, DEP sent an acknowledgement letter to the Rockhill Environmental Preservation Alliance for their June 26, 2020 letter urging the permanent closure of the quarry.

On July 2, 2020, DEP sent an acknowledgement letter to the Rockhill Environmental Preservation Alliance for their June 26, 2020 letter providing DEP with Erskine’s comments.

On July 2, 2020, DEP sent an acknowledgement letter to Congressman Fitzpatrick for his June 25, 2020 letter urging an independent geologic investigation.

On June 26, 2020, DEP received a letter from the Rockhill Environmental Preservation Alliance, Inc. that provided links to letters written by 11 entities urging the permanent closure of the Rock Hill Quarry.

On June 26, 2020, DEP received a letter from the Rockhill Environmental Preservation Alliance, Inc. on behalf of Erskine Environmental Consulting, Inc., (EEC) with comments pertaining to Hanson’s response to DEP’s April 17, 2020 letter.

On June 25, 2020, DEP received a letter from Congressman Fitzpatrick requesting an independent geologic investigation conducted by an experienced professional geologist to measure the amount of naturally occurring asbestos (NOA) at the quarry and the impacts of the NOA throughout the surrounding environment.

On June 2, 2020, DEP sent an acknowledgment letter to R.E. Pierson approving their extension request until July 4, 2020 to remove their mobile equipment from Rock Hill Quarry. 

On June 1, 2020, DEP received an email from R.E. Pierson requesting additional time to remove their mobile equipment until July 4, 2020 from the Rock Hill Quarry Site.   

On May 29, 2020, DEP received correspondence from Hanson Aggregate Pennsylvania LLC, addressing the items required for submission by May 31, 2020.  The items include Comments 1, 2, and 3 of DEP’s March 2, 2020 Qualitative Geologic Survey Report comment letter; the request for a Revegetation Plan describing disturbed areas capable of supporting plant growth and a plan to revegetate them congruent with current operational restrictions; and the request for a Draft Air Monitoring Plan that incorporates monitoring for airborne asbestos exposure during periods of limited activity at Rock Hill quarry, as well as during inactivity.

On May 4, 2020, DEP sent an approval letter to R.E. Pierson Materials Corporation’s request for an extension until June 4, 2020 to remove equipment from the Rock Hill Quarry site.

On May 4, 2020, DEP received an email from R.E. Pierson Materials Corporation requesting an extension to remove equipment from the Rock Hill Quarry site until June 4.

On April 17, 2020, DEP sent an extension letter for Hanson Aggregates Pennsylvania, LLC, to respond to Comments 1, 2, and 3 of the March 2, 2020 Qualitative Geologic Survey Report comment letter to May 31, 2020. DEP extended the time for Hanson to respond to the last paragraph for the same letter, which requests additional testing of existing samples to June 30, 2020. This additional time allows for additional analysis and reporting to be done in order to provide the information required in the last paragraph. DEP also requires Hanson to revegetate disturbed areas capable of supporting plant growth.

On April 15, 2020, DEP sent an acknowledgement letter to Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick for his April 10, 2020 comments on Hanson Aggregates Pennsylvania, LLC’s nine-month extension request for their Qualitive Geologic Survey Report.

On April 13, 2020, DEP sent an approval letter to R.E. Pierson Materials Corporation’s request for an extension until May 4, 2020 to remove equipment from the Rock Hill Quarry site.

On April 10, 2020, DEP received an email from R.E. Pierson Materials Corporation requesting additional time to remove equipment from the Rock Hill Quarry site until May 4, 2020.

On April 10, 2020, DEP received a letter from Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick to consider opposing the request made by Hanson Aggregates Pennsylvania, LLC, to seek a nine-month extension to address an immediate asbestos issue to their quarry.

On April 10, 2020, DEP sent an acknowledgement letter to East Rockhill Township Board of Supervisors for their comments on Hanson Aggregates Pennsylvania, LLC’s, request for extension to response to DEP’s comments on the Qualitive Geologic Survey Report.

On April 8, 2020, DEP received comments from East Rockhill Township Board of Supervisors regarding Hanson Aggregates Pennsylvania, LLC’s, request for extension to response to DEP’s comments on the Qualitive Geologic Survey Report.

On April 6, 2020, DEP sent an acknowledgment letter to Rockhill Environmental Preservation Alliance, Inc., for their April 3, 2020 comments on the Hanson Aggregates Pennsylvania, LLC report.

On April 3, 2020, DEP received comments from Rockhill Environmental Preservation Alliance, Inc., regarding the extension request that was submitted by Hanson Aggregates Pennsylvania, LLC, for the Qualitative Geologic Survey Report prepared by Erskine Environmental Consulting, Inc.

On April 2, 2020, DEP received a letter from Hanson Aggregates Pennsylvania, LLC, requesting a nine-month extension until January 6, 2021 to comprehensively address DEP’s comments listed in the March 2, 2020 and September 20, 2019 letters for the Qualitative Geologic Survey Report for the Rock Hill Quarry Site.

On April 1, 2020, DEP sent a approval letter to Hanson Aggregates Pennsylvania, LLC, for their March 13, 2020 Corrective Action Plan response.

On March 13, 2020, DEP received a Corrective Action Plan in response to DEP’s Notice of Violation issued dated February 20, 2020 from Hanson Aggregates Pennsylvania, LLC.

On March 5, 2020, DEP sent an acknowledgment letter to R.E. Pierson Material Corporation approving their request to remove their equipment from the Rock Hill Quarry site. 

On March 4, 2020, DEP received an email from R.E. Pierson Material Corporation requesting permission to pick up their equipment at Rock Hill Quarry site.

On March 4, 2020, DEP sent an acknowledgment letter to the Bucks County Commissioners for their February 19, 2020 letter requesting to permanently close the operations at the Rockhill Quarry due to the health risks to the surrounding community due to the presence of naturally occurring asbestos.

On March 2, 2020, DEP sent Hanson Aggregates, Pennsylvania, LLC, comments and questions regarding the Qualitative Geologic Survey Report that was submitted on November 15, 2019. 

On February 19, 2020, DEP received a letter from the Bucks County Commissioners on behalf of the residents of East Rockhill Township requesting to permanently close the operations at the Rockhill Quarry due to the health risks to the surrounding community due to the presence of naturally occurring asbestos. 

On February 18, 2020, DEP sent an acknowledgment letter to Rockhill Environmental Preservation Alliance, Inc., for their February 13, 2020 comments on the January 30, 2020 submission from Earthres Group, Inc., regarding the Qualitative Geologic Survey Report and their February 14 & 16, 2020 comments regarding EPA and USGS position on R.J. Lee Group Protocols.

On February 14, 2020 and February 16, 2020, DEP received comments from Rockhill Environmental Preservation Alliance, Inc., prepared by Erskine Environmental Consulting, Inc., (EEC) regarding EPA and USGS Position on R.J. Lee Group (RJLG) Protocols. The comments focuses attention on key documentation showing that the RJLG protocol to reduce or eliminate the reporting of asbestos has been deemed invalid by key regulatory agencies, and representations by RJLG that the methodology has been approved by EPA are not factually correct. The purpose is to provide DEP with information needed to draw its own conclusion regarding the validity of test data, and by extension, the validity of the sampling plan itself.

On February 13, 2020, DEP received comments from Rockhill Environmental Preservation Alliance, Inc., prepared by Erskine Environmental Consulting, Inc., in response to the Earthres Group, Inc., January 30, 2020 comments on the Qualitative Geological Survey Report. Since many of Earthres comments focus on subjects and opinions that originated in EEC’s previous submittals, Dr. Bradley Erskine has reviewed Earthres letter and offers a rebuttal to inaccuracies, misstatements and unsupported conclusions that are present through the document.

On February 11, 2020, DEP sent an acknowledgment letter to Representative Staats for his January 28, 2020 concerns for the residents residing near the Rock Hill Quarry. 

On February 7, 2020, the Department of Health sent Rockhill Environmental Preservation Alliance, Inc., a letter regarding the potential health risks associated with naturally occurring asbestos exposure.

On January 31, 2020, DEP sent an acknowledgment letter to Rockhill Environmental Preservation Alliance, Inc., for their January 28, 2020 comments regarding the following: the January 15, 2020 response by RJ Lee Group, regarding the inquiry for an SOP used for differential counting; the January 8, 2020 EMSL Analytic, Inc., comments regarding the inquiry for an SOP used for differential counting; and the January 16, 2020 Community Update from DEP.

On January 30, 2020, DEP received a comment response from Earthres Group, Inc., regarding East Rockhill Township’s comments on the Qualitative Geologic Survey Report. 

On January 28, 2020, DEP received a letter from Representative Staats expressing his concerns for the residents of East Rockhill Township with the asbestos issue at the Rock Hill Quarry.  

On January 28, 2020, DEP received a letter from Rockhill Environmental Preservation Alliance, Inc., regarding the following: the January 15, 2020 response by RJ Lee Group, regarding the inquiry for an SOP used for differential counting; the January 8, 2020 EMSL Analytic, Inc., comments regarding the inquiry for an SOP used for differential counting; and the January 16, 2020 Community Update from DEP.

On January 21, 2020, DEP sent an acknowledgment letter to Erskine Environmental Consulting for their December 2, 2019, request for Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) for the asbestos differential counting method utilized by EMSL Laboratories and R.J. Lee Group for the identification of asbestos at the Rock Hill Quarry.

On January 17, 2020, DEP sent an acknowledgement letter to Rockhill Environmental Preservation Alliance, Inc., for their comments on the Qualitative Geologic Survey Report from Hanson Aggregates Pennsylvania, LLC, and the asbestos and application regulations prepared by RH Lee Group.

On January 16, 2020, DEP received comments from Rockhill Environmental Preservation Alliance, Inc., for the November 15, 2019, Qualitative Geologic Survey Report from Hanson Aggregates Pennsylvania, LLC, and the November 25, 2019 asbestos and application regulations prepared by RH Lee Group.

On January 15, 2020, DEP received a letter from Hanson Aggregates Pennsylvania, LLC, regarding the methodology used to differentiate asbestiform amphibole fibers from their non-asbestiform analogs in Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s).

On January 8, 2020, DEP received Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) for the asbestos differential counting method on what constitutes asbestiform structures and the decision making process used by EMSL Analytical, Inc., during analysis on DEP samples.

On December 24, 2019, DEP sent an acknowledgement letter to East Rockhill Township Board of Supervisors for their comments on the Qualitative Geologic Survey Report submitted by Hanson Aggregates Pennsylvania, LLC, on November 15, 2019.

On December 23, 2019, DEP received comments from East Rockhill Township Board of Supervisors on the Qualitative Geologic Survey Report for the Rock Hill Quarry which was submitted by Hanson Aggregates Pennsylvania, LLC, on November 15, 2019

On December 23, 2019, DEP sent a letter to Hanson Aggregates Pennsylvania LLC, acknowledging that the removal of the required tonnage of minerals is precluded by DEP’s December 5, 2018 order creasing mining and rock crushing activities at the Rock Hill Quarry.

On December 18, 2019, DEP sent a second letter requesting additional testing and analysis for asbestos in aggregate and water at the Rock Hill Quarry to evaluate the environmental, health and safety risks. The first request was sent on September 20, 2019.

On December 6, 2019, DEP reviewed the Erskine Environmental Consulting’s December 2, 2019 letter requesting the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the asbestos differential counting method utilized by EMSL Laboratories and R.J. Lee Group for the identification of asbestos at the Rock Hill Quarry. DEP will continue to review, seek the requested SOPs, and will release any documentation once it has been obtained.

On December 2, 2019, DEP received a letter from Erskine Environmental Consulting requesting the Standard Operating Procedures for the asbestos differential counting method utilized by EMSL Laboratories and the R.J. Lee Group for the identification of asbestos at the Rock Hill Quarry site.

On November 25, 2019, DEP received a letter regarding asbestos and application regulations from Hanson Aggregates Pennsylvania, LLC, prepared by RH Lee Group.

On November 25, 2019, DEP approved the November 22, 2019, request to pick up a grapple at the Rockhill Quarry from R. E. Pierson.

On November 22, 2019, DEP received a request from P.E. Pierson requesting permission to remove a piece of equipment, known as a grapple, from the Rock Hill Quarry.

On November 15, 2019, DEP received the Qualitative Geologic Survey Report from Hanson Aggregates Pennsylvania, LLC, prepared by Earthres Group, Inc.

On October 13, 2019, DEP received comments and a report from Rockhill Environmental Preservation Alliance, Inc. (REPA) which was prepared by Erskine Environmental Consulting.

On October 4, 2019, DEP sent a letter to Rockhill Environmental Preservation Alliance, Inc., after receiving comments regarding Over-Sized Load Delivery at Rockhill Quarry and Reanalysis of Asbestos Test Results by TEM Methodology.

On October 3, 2019, DEP received a letter from Hanson Aggregates Pennsylvania, LLC, clarifying the laboratory methods and procedures utilized for characterization of the potential presence of asbestiform minerals at the Rock Hill Quarry site.

On September 20, 2019, DEP sent a letter to Hanson Aggregates Pennsylvania, LLC after reviewing the results of the analytical testing for naturally occurring asbestos and is asking for additional information.

On September 2, 2019, Rockhill Environmental Preservation Alliance, Inc. (REPA) submitted a report prepared by Erskine Environmental Consulting, presenting technical review of four laboratory reports for core drilling and boulder sampling from June 26-27, 2019, and provided recommendations for additional testing and alternatives to avoid the potential exposure to residents and school children located near the Rock Hill Quarry site.

Production reports dated between 1983 – 1997

On July 16, 2019, DEP responded to Senator Santarsiero’s, June 21, 2019 letter, regarding the historic operation of the Rock Hill Quarry.

On July 9, 2019, DEP received a letter from U.S. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, concerned for his constituents health and safety as the Rock Hill Quarry materials are extracted and transported.

On June 21, 2019, DEP received a letter from Pennsylvania Senator Steve Santarsiero, regarding Rock Hill Quarry’s history and inspection reports.

On June 6, 2019, Rockhill Environmental Preservation Alliance, Inc. (REPA) submitted comments prepared by Erskine Environmental Consulting on the Geologic Investigations Hazardous Materials Naturally Occurring Asbestos Qualitative Geologic Survey Sampling Plan.

On April 30, 2019, DEP received a second set of comments on the Qualitative Geologic Survey Sampling Plan from East Rockhill Township Board of Supervisors.

On April 30, 2019, DEP authorized Hanson Aggregates, PA, to conduct exploratory core drilling and bolder field sampling as described in the following plans.

  • April 3, 2019, DEP received a sampling plan designed to collect sufficient information for the preparation of a detailed Qualitative Geologic Survey of the site by EarthRes Group, Inc.
  • April 25, 2019, DEP received responses for comments that were submitted by DEP and East Rockhill Township for the Qualitative Geologic Survey Sampling Plan.

On April 30, 2019, DEP received dust suppression procedures for core drilling and bolder field analysis from Hanson Aggregates PA.

On April 25, 2019, DEP received EarthRes Group, Inc., responses for the comments that were submitted for the Qualitative Geologic Survey Sampling Plan.

On April 22, 2019, DEP sent comments, a NSSGA Mineral ID Guide, and excerpts from the Aggregates Handbook to Hanson Aggregates PA, for the Rock Hill Quarry Qualitative Geologic Survey Sampling Plan.

On April 17, 2019, DEP received East Rockhill Township Board of Supervisors comments on the Qualitative Survey Sampling Plan for Rock Hill Quarry submitted by EarthRes Group, Inc.

On April 12, 2019, DEP reviewed and sent comments to EarthRes Group, Inc., for the Qualitative Survey Sampling Plan for Rock Hill Quarry.

On April 3, 2019, DEP received a Qualitative Geologic Survey Sampling Plan for the continued assessment of naturally occurring asbestos (NOA) at the Rock Hill Quarry from EarthRes Group, Inc.

On March 25, 2019, DEP received information and documentation further supporting Hanson Aggregates Pennsylvania, LLC, compliance with DEP’s annual 500-ton removal minimum requirements.

On December 19, 2018, DEP approved the information which was submitted by EarthRes Group, Inc., proposed a one-time background sampling plan for naturally occurring asbestos (NOA) in water, aggregate stockpiles, and crusher fines at the Rock Hill Quarry with conditions that the department reserves the right to modify or rescind the plan approval in the event of unforeseen geologic circumstances.

On December 19, 2018, DEP received a proposed naturally occurring asbestos (NOA) one-time background site operations sampling plan for several site operations from EarthRes Group, Inc.

On October 29, 2018, DEP received the 3rd Quarter 2018 Rock Hill Quarry naturally occurring asbestos (NOA) Monitoring Report from Hanson Aggregates PA, LLC.

On August 6, 2018, DEP received the 2nd Quarter 2018 Rock Hill Quarry naturally occurring asbestos (NOA) Monitoring Report from Hanson Aggregates PA, LLC.

On March 19, 2018, DEP with the assistance of EnviroTrac collected a water sample from the well located at the Rock Hill Quarry. The sample was analyzed for Perfluoro-octanesulfonate (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and sent to Hanson Aggregates PA, LLC.

On March 14, 2018, DEP received a Rock Hill Quarry NPDES renewal application from Hanson Aggregates PA, LLC, which included additional water samples to assess for the presence of asbestos.

On January 25, 2018, DEP approved the proposed monitoring plan for Rock Hill Quarry naturally occurring asbestos (NOA) and incorporated into Noncoal Surface Mining Permit No. 7974SM1. The Department lifts the cessation of all production drilling, blasting and crushing activities as requested on January 4, 2018.

On January 24, 2018, DEP received the Rock Hill Quarry naturally occurring asbestos (NOA) Monitoring Report from Hanson Aggregates PA, LLC.

On January 18, 2018, DEP received the Asbestos Investigation and testing results for Rock Hill Quarry from EarthRes Group, Inc.

On January 4, 2018, DEP ceased all production drilling, blasting and crushing activities at Rock Hill Quarry due to asbestos form materials may be present in the rock planned to be mined at the quarry.

Test Results

Hanson Aggregates PA, LLC, hired Test America and EMSL Analytical, Inc, to do testing at the Rock Hill Quarry.

October 30, 2019 - 041922026 test for asbestos in rock

On August 21, 2019, DEP received laboratory reports for DEP’s independent core drilling and boulder sampling.

On June 26 and 27, 2019, DEP received Laboratory Reports for core drilling and boulder sampling.

On May 29, 2019, DEP received a Laboratory Report including the analytical results for the surface water samples collected at the site on April 18, 2019.

On May 2, 2019, DEP received the Final Laboratory Report and Chain-of-Custody including the analytical results for the surface water samples collected at the site on April 18, 2019.  No asbestos fibers were detected in any of the water samples from Hanson Aggregates, PA. 

Monitoring Reports

On January 26, 2018, DEP received 4th Quarter 2017 NPDES Discharge Monitoring Reports from Hanson Aggregates PA.

Air Sampling

On December 12, 2018, Compliance Plus Services, Inc., provided map locations for North Rockhill Road.