Coal co. seeking zoner approval to build new breaker in West Mahanoy
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL - A Keystone Anthracite sign is seen along Raven Run Road in William Penn on Oct. 4, 2023.
WILLIAM PENN – A new coal breaker — the first in decades in the heart of the Anthracite region — could soon be built south of this West Mahanoy Township village if the company has their way with township zoners this month.
Keystone Anthracite, of Girardville, is seeking township approval to build the new breaker on Girard Estate property, whom Keystone leases the majority of their mine land from.
“The proposed coal preparation plant will be operated in conjunction with the active mining operation in order to prepare saleable coal for market thereby eliminating the need to transport the run-of-mine coal offsite for further processing at other coal preparation facilities, as is being done now,” documents submitted to the township say.
The breaker would be about 1,000 feet from the township boundary with Gilberton borough, above the Mahanoy Plane section, and a half mile south of Newtown Road in William Penn.
Keystone is seeking a special use permit for the construction of the breaker, as, while the property is zoned for mining, any new mining-related development requires a special use permit from the township.
The breaker, as proposed, would be 66 feet at its tallest portion and would consist of three levels.
A public hearing on the matter is set for 5pm Oct. 12 at the township building in Shenandoah Heights.
About Author
