Robert Toedter, of RT Consulting, discussed changes taking place at the Keystone Cement plant during the East Allen Township Board of Supervisors meeting March 13.

As Toedter explained, Keystone has an option to fire its plant using natural gas rather than coal.

“All of our coal is brought in by truck. By choosing this option, we remove 3,000 trucks - that’s 6,000 trips per year,” he said. “It will reduce emissions in the area.”

The plant burns 60,000 tons of coal a year.

Keystone is looking for development grant funds to help finance the project. In his discussions with EPA and state officials, Toedter said he must get approval from the local community to make the switch. The new gas line will come from a distribution line on Locust Road near Route 512.

According to Toedter, the design of the pipeline to feed gas to the plant is entirely up to UGI, which will secure easements to run the line. RT Consulting takes over designing distribution lines within the plant from UGI’s entry point.

“Keystone is anxious to switch to gas. The consistency of the product allows for better quality control,” he said.

Toedter indicated UGI is negotiating necessary rights of way for the pipeline.

He is looking for two letters from the township - one to endorse the plan while attesting that the new plan conforms with the township’s comprehensive plan and another to reiterate the reduced emissions that will result from full implementation.

Supervisors agreed with the plan and instructed the township manager to prepare the necessary letters.

In other business, the township is looking for input on its parks and recreation programs. According to township Manager Brent Green, various efforts to collect data on recreational programs and parks have been less than successful.

A digital survey will be sent to residents asking for input. Surveys will also be included in the next township newsletter and available at the township office. Residents can give verbal feedback at community meetings as well.

The board of supervisors spent some time during the meeting discussing a method to control block parties.

Apparently, some residents have objected to local block parties. There are no specific guidelines in the township on how streets can be blocked off for these events. The township is looking to provide barricades for approved events. With the new control measures, township officials are interested in charging a permit fee and a deposit fee for the barricades.