(The Center Square) – A community is fighting to stop a proposed rail line in Elk County that would move trash through Horton Township to a landfill in nearby Fox Township, warning it could harm the quality of life and the local environment.
The project, currently under federal review, has been paused, though, and whether it resumes may hinge on a 1.5-mile stretch of sewer line.
Supporters say it could reduce long-haul truck traffic by shifting waste transport to rail, while opponents argue it would cut through private property and raise concerns about impacts on homes, churches, and waterways.
It would add 3.87 miles of new track along an abandoned rail bed, beginning at the end of an active Buffalo & Pittsburgh Railroad line – commonly referred to as the “Toby Branch” – near the O-I Crenshaw Glass Plant, and ending at the Greentree Landfill. The landfill is operated by Noble Environmental, the parent company of Lampwrights LLC, which was formed to develop the proposed rail line.
According to official documents, Lampwrights estimates it would ship one inbound train and one empty outbound train per week, using 75 hermetically sealed intermodal containers on 89-foot flat cars. The trains would span more than a mile.
Horton Township Supervisors are among a number of organizations and individuals that have filed opposition statements with the Surface Transportation Board, or STB.
Township Supervisor PJ Piccirillo told The Center Square that although company officials said they could expect one “trash train” per week, they have received no assurance it would either remain at that level, or offset the current volume hauled by truck – and they have other unanswered questions.
Piccirillo also said some residents own portions of the rail bed and fear the land could be taken through eminent domain or condemnation. He added that during a supervisors meeting last week, they agreed to hire an attorney specializing in rail transportation projects at a significant cost to the community.
Despite the opposition, the company says it plans to use the existing rail bed and is seeking approval under an environmental assessment.
Due to their concerns, Horton Township officials are urging the Office of Environmental Analysis, or OEA, to require a more detailed Environmental Impact Statement.
In a letter filed with the STB on Feb. 5, the Supervisors say they remain “in the dark” about project details, and list key concerns:
The mile-plus-long train would cross State Routes 219 and 153, potentially affecting emergency response and impeding traffic and school transportation.Wetlands and marshlands lie in the proposed path. The route would cross wild trout waters such as Oyster run, Mead Run, Bear Run, and Toby Creek.Citing an attorney letter in the docket, they say the landfill currently receives 6,000 tons of solid waste per day, and argue the community would be burdened by noise, congestion, potential rail catastrophes, and environmental damage.
They also assert that the companies have not provided a clear outline of benefits to the community, however, they expect decreased property values and reduced “quiet enjoyment.”
In a recent development, the STB has placed the review on hold.
At issue is a 1.5-mile segment of sewer line identified by Brockway Area Sewage Authority as being located within the proposed right-of-way. They stated it cannot withstand a train traversing it, and that relocation is constrained by limited right-of-way and sensitive habitats.
A Feb. 9 letter from OEA to Lampwrights’ attorneys states the company told regulators in January it would prefer to negotiate a settlement with the Authority to relocate the sewer line – rather than change the rail alignment. And it states that since the proposed alignment “appears to no longer be feasible,” OEA has placed the environmental review on hold. Moving forward will require Lampwrights to submit either confirmation of a settlement and proposed sewer line relocation, or an alternative rail alignment.
Charles Marchiori is the founder of A Noble Cause, a grassroots group with hundreds of members opposed to the project. He told The Center Square they’re trying to protect their portion of the “Pennsylvania Wilds” so people can continue to visit and enjoy the outdoors.
“It’s hard on our community, and it’s very stressful,” said Marchiori. “People don’t like it. People don’t want it. We’re trying to tell the STB this isn’t a railroad anymore – it’s people’s land – but they keep entertaining it for some reason.”
First Apostles’ Doctrine Church in Brockport, Toby Creek Watershed Association of Elk and Jefferson Counties, Horton Township Sportsmen’s Club, and Brockport United Methodist Church, have also filed statements of opposition to the project.
Letters supporting Lampwrights’ petition for exemption were submitted by State Reps. Mike Armanini, R-DuBois and Brian Smith, R-Brookville. Each cited potential benefits of reduced wear and tear on local road infrastructure, and greater revenue tied to the ability to deliver greater volume to the landfill.
Piccirillo noted neither official had contacted the township before submitting letters, and that Sen. John Fetterman’s office declined to discuss their questions about federal policy and out-of-state trash shipments into Pennsylvania.
Requests for comments from Armanini and Smith were not received in time for publication.
