Stroud Township, PA – June 10, 2025
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is considering issuing permits to PennDOT for a major portion of the I-80 expansion project through Stroud Township—clearing the way for construction activities that include filling wetlands, disturbing floodways, and relocating stormwater infrastructure.
But environmental advocates and local officials are raising concerns over what they call a rushed and risky approval process—one that permits wetlands to be destroyed in Monroe County and relocated to a mitigation site in neighboring Wayne County.
State Representative Tarah Probst is formally requesting a public hearing, citing “significant public interest, potential harm to wetlands, waterways, stormwater issues, endangered species and cultural resources, and inadequate prior consultation,” according to a letter sent from her office to Noah Fatzinger, Legislative Affairs Specialist at the DEP in Harrisburg.
The letter was also distributed to local media outlets, Stroud Township officials, and watchdog groups such as the Monroe County Reporter.
The permits in question are classified under Pennsylvania’s Chapter 102 (NPDES) and Chapter 105 regulations. The Chapter 105 permit appeared in the Pennsylvania Bulletin on Saturday, June 7. Once published, a 30-day public comment period began, but critics argue the community had little prior warning or opportunity for input. The Chapter 102 permit was due to be published on Saturday, June 7, but didn’t run due to a technical glitch, the DEP reported. The Chapter 102 permit, they said, is expected to run in the next two weeks.
“This is notice that PennDOT has submitted a NPDES (Ch. 102) and Ch. 105 permit for the Western-most / Stroud Twp. portion of the I-80 project to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP),” the statement from Probst's office reads.
“PennDOT is requesting DEP permission to fill wetlands, build a bridge, install or replace stormwater outfalls, [and] fill in floodways near tributaries to Pocono Creek.”
Environmental Concerns
The DEP-approved activities include:
- Permanent filling of 0.24 acres of wetlands for embankment grading on westbound I-80
- Construction of a new bridge over Pocono Creek and nearby wetlands
- Installation and replacement of stormwater outfalls in the floodways of Pocono Creek and its tributaries
- Filling of floodways near multiple high-quality cold-water streams in Stroud Township
Perhaps most controversial is the planned relocation of local wetlands to Wayne County, approximately 1.5 miles from the project site. A separate permit for this action is expected to appear in the PA Bulletin this week.
Where to Send Comments
The DEP’s Northeast Regional Office in Wilkes-Barre is the appropriate destination for written public comments:
DEP Northeast Region: Waterways & Wetlands Program
2 Public Square
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701-1915
Phone: 570-826-2511
Contact: Michele Lauer, Clerical Assistant 2 — 570-830-3077
Residents have until July 7, 2025 to submit public comments regarding the permit. Comments must include:
- Full name, address, and phone number
- Reference to the permit number: E4502125-001
- A concise statement of concerns, objections, or suggestions, including supporting facts
DEP may choose to hold a fact-finding hearing or informal conference “if deemed necessary.”
To monitor future DEP permit publications or environmental notices, concerned citizens can sign up for notifications at:
https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Account/PARegister
Project Scope
The I-80 Section B01 Project runs through Stroud Township, stretching from Marshalls Creek to the SR 611 interchange. According to DEP filings, the construction will:
- Place fill in three floodway segments tied to Pocono Creek tributaries
- Build a bridge across a Pocono Creek tributary and adjacent wetlands
- Install at least nine new or replaced stormwater outfalls
- Impact approximately 0.24 acres of wetlands, classified as PEM (Palustrine Emergent)
Maps and technical documentation are available for public inspection at the Wilkes-Barre DEP office during weekday business hours.
As the I-80 project moves forward, residents and local leaders are left racing against the clock to respond to changes that may permanently alter the region’s landscape.