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EPA Cites Stone Cutters for Clean Water Act Violations

Release Date: 9/3/2002
Contact Information: Roy Seneca (215) 814-5567

Contact: Roy Seneca (215) 814-5567


PHILADELPHIA – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has cited seven stone-cutting related companies in northeastern Pennsylvania for violating federal Clean Water Act regulations associated with controlling industrial and storm water runoff.

All of the facilities are primarily engaged in cutting, shaping, and finishing bluestone, which is used for construction and landscaping. The facilities in Susquehanna County include Powers Stone, Inc. and B.S. Quarries, Inc., both of Montrose; Premier Bluestone, Inc., Susquehanna; Norton Stone Company, New Milford; and Glenwood Stone Company, Inc., Nicholson. Herb Kilmer & Sons, Inc., Kingsley, and Meshoppen Stone, Inc., Meshoppen, both in Wyoming County, were also cited.

“Working with our state and local partners, EPA will use the tools at our disposal to protect Pennsylvania’s rivers, streams and lakes from polluted runoff from industrial sites,” said Donald S. Welsh, regional administrator for EPA’s mid-Atlantic region.

EPA, in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the Susquehanna County Conservation District, has issued an administrative order for all seven companies to apply for the proper Clean Water Act permit within 30 days. EPA has reserved its right to seek penalties or other legal actions for the alleged unpermitted discharges.

In addition to the orders, EPA has also filed an administrative complaint seeking $110,000 in penalties from Powers Stone, Inc. for the company’s alleged failure to obtain a permit, and for failing to implement a required erosion and sediment control plan. The company has the right to a hearing to contest the alleged violation and proposed penalty.

Powers Stone, Inc. discharges industrial wastewater and storm water to a tributary of the Wyalusing Creek, which flows into the Susquehanna River.

Storm water runoff from industrial and construction sites often contains pollutants such as oil and grease, chemicals, nutrients, and oxygen-demanding compounds. Stone-cutting operations use substantial amounts of water to suppress dust and cool stone-cutting equipment.

Under the Clean Water Act, states establish EPA-approved water quality standards to protect the states’ rivers, streams, lakes and other waterways. EPA and the states enforce these standards through permits – issued to owners and operators of water pollution sources – that set pollution limits and monitoring requirements.