North Central PA Times

WILBURTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) visited Wilburton on Tuesday to install air quality control monitors to measure any concentration of contaminants in the air during ongoing efforts to extinguish a nearby coal bank fire, according to state Sen. Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-27). The EPA has been collaborating with Culver and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to address safety concerns.

“My staff and I have been working closely with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection regarding the coal bank fire in Wilburton No. 2 and the safety concerns of Conyngham Township supervisors and residents,” Culver said. “I would like to thank Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley and her staff, who agreed to protect the safety and wellbeing of the residents by placing the air quality control monitors in the affected area to continuously monitor air quality in Wilburton No. 2 and the surrounding areas.”

The air quality monitors are designed to test levels of carbon monoxide and other smoke contaminants that can harm residents. DEP required the mine operator to take daily air quality tests for carbon monoxide levels and administered its testing in Wilburton No. 2. Efforts to extinguish the coal bank fire are ongoing and reported to be making positive progress.

“From conversations with the department, it appears that the lessee has made great strides toward extinguishing the fire,” Culver said. “I would like to thank everyone involved in getting the situation resolved in a timely manner, and I am assured that progress will continue until the fire has been extinguished.”

DEP is advising residents with immediate health or safety concerns to call 911. Residents with non-emergency concerns are encouraged to call DEP at 570-621-3118.

More information from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and DEP is available on Culver’s website. More information about Culver is available online at SenatorCulver.com. Residents can follow her on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SenCulver and on Instagram at Instagram.com/SenatorCulver for updates about legislative action in Harrisburg and news in the 27th District.

Media Contact: Betsy Reichenbach

717-787-8928