Heffley, Argall’s Office, DEP Tour Northface Project Site to Discuss Residents’ Concerns

October 20, 2026

WEISSPORT - Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Jessica Shirley, Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon) and staff from Sen. Dave Argall’s (R-Carbon/Schuylkill/Luzerne) office recently toured the Northface Project at the former New Jersey Zinc Company West Plant in Palmerton. Heffley and Argall invited Shirley to Palmerton to discuss ongoing concerns related to the site.

Also joining the tour were DEP Northeast Regional Director Joseph Buczynski; Roger Bellas, waste management program manager for DEP’s Northeast Region; and officials from Palmerton Borough.

The tour was organized following residents’ concerns about strong odors coming from the site, overweight trucks, increased truck traffic and damaged roads affecting the community’s quality of life.

“Our residents deserve to have their concerns heard and addressed,” Heffley said. “While cleaning up this former industrial site and preparing it for future use is important, that work must be done responsibly and in compliance with environmental regulations. I have participated in numerous meetings on site to discuss other previous issues raised by residents. Conditions had improved for a time; however, they appear to have intensified recently. The concerns about strong odors, overweight trucks, and uncovered loads needed to be addressed, which is why Sen. Argall and I requested that DEP visit the site firsthand.”

During the tour, Heffley and Argall’s staff learned about efforts the DEP is making to address ongoing environmental and community concerns at the site.

“We appreciate Secretary Shirley and her team taking the time to see the operation for themselves, and we will continue working to ensure that residents’ quality of life remains a priority,” added Heffley. “There have been many concerns regarding the fill being brought into the site. I was able to see the plan to make sure there are processes in place to address future issues.”

“It was important to have DEP officials see these issues firsthand,” Argall said. “My office will continue to monitor the project and ensure that the concerns raised by Palmerton residents are addressed.”

Representative Doyle Heffley
122nd District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Andrew Forgotch
717.772.9905
aforgotch@pahousegop.com
RepHeffley.com / Facebook.com/RepHeffley