Demolition Begins at Pennsylvania Cleanup Site

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection reports that demolition work to bring down two buildings in Punxsutawney, Pa., on the site of groundwater and soil contamination will begin on July 12.

Contractors from the DEP will take down the vacant Berlin Metals Building, which formerly housed an electroplating business. Contractors also will tear down a residence at 617 Cherry St. that has been unoccupied for a number of years.

 In advance of the work, DEP will hold a public meeting July 7, at the Punxsutawney Borough Council Chambers to provide residents an opportunity to learn more about this latest phase of the cleanup.

DEP has been investigating contamination at the site and conducting cleanup activities there since 2006.

“Our investigation indicates that there is significant contamination throughout and under the Berlin Metals Building and in the basement of the vacant house,” says Kelly Burch, DEP’s regional director. “After these buildings are demolished, it will be possible to remove the material that continues to contaminate the ground water. Once the contamination has been addressed at both locations, clean backfill material will be brought in and both properties will again be useable.”