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New Hope Crushed Stone Quarry Status Report

Posted on: April 23, 2020 - 8:39am

The following is the New Hope Crushed Stone quarry status, communicated by the Pennsylvania DEP to Solebury Township on April 14, 2020.

Lake Elevation

Discussions are continuing to determine the ultimate level of the quarry lake. It will be in the range of 100 feet above sea level. However, the specific height is still being discussed with the Pennsylvania Dam Safety Department, which is responsible for this issue. Whatever the final level of the lake, the Township and other parties favor a natural outflow rather than a mechanical/valve approach.

Reclamation & Stream Restoration

Most of the reclamation and stream restoration has been accomplished.

What remains is:

  • some Primrose Creek stream bed and side work
  • replanting in the lower sections of the pit due to erosion
  • some interior berm sloping to a maximum of 35 percent
  • the construction of the water inlet and outlet.

Current Water Level

The current level is approximately 10 feet above sea level. Since last measurement was as of Feb. 19, 2020, it could be higher. The DEP estimated the water level to be 0+/- at the end of December 2019. Once conditions allow, the water level will be inspected. As mentioned, the eventual top of the lake will be in the range of 100 feet above sea level. In 2016 the depth of the pit was estimated to be in the range of 85 feet to as much as 100 feet below sea level.

Processing/Crushing Plant Status

The crushing plant has been removed completely by another quarry owner. Small outbuildings will be transferred to this quarry owner as well. The only structure to remain will be the garage and main office.

Water Pumping Rate

The DEP requires New Hope Crushed Stone to pump 500,000 gallons of water per day out of the pit and into the downstream section of the Primrose Creek to maintain the stream’s flow while the pit is filling up. In 2019, the pumping rate met the 500,000 requirement. However, last month, March 2020, it was 450,000 gallons per day. It is uncertain whether this is a one-time event given the replacement of the pump last month. The Township will be communicating with the DEP to address this issue if this trend continues.

Bond

NHCS is still required to maintain a bond which covers the cost of the reclamation if the permittee is unable to complete the project. The DEP is not planning to release the quarry from that obligation in the foreseeable future.