Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) officials have ordered the closure of a popular ATV park, Mountain Ridge Trails Resort, in Stonycreek Township, Pa. The park has failed to obtain mandatory erosion control, storm water discharge and stream crossing permits despite months of warnings, the leaders said.
The resort closed Tuesday and, according to its Web site, will remain as such through at least Jan. 1.
"They're not following the law," said Keith Largent, erosion control technician for the Somerset Conservation District, which administers permits for DEP. "It's illegal to do what they're doing without getting a permit first."
"At this point, the DEP has not received a permit application," said agency spokeswoman Helen Humphreys.
Once Mountain Ridge Trails submits an erosion control plan and permits, the conservation district will have 20 days to review the materials. If determined to be satisfactory, the permits then undergo a 30-day technical review.
"The DEP and ourselves still believe it's a good location for the park," Largent said. "But they need to follow the environmental rules and regulations."
Jay Zimmerman, one of the park's partners, could not be reached for comment. The resort's Web site, however, said the Mountain Ridge Trails is "well into" its permitting process but waiting on a 60-day review period.
Stonycreek Township Supervisor Greg Walker said controlling dust and runoff has been an ongoing problem in the area. "I know there were some issues with soil conservation, and things were not completed," he said. "I know they weren't done with some permits when they had Quad Fest earlier this summer. It's a slow time of the year for them, anyway."
Mountain Ridge, encompassing more than 2,500 acres, is one of two large ATV parks in Somerset and Cambria counties. Quad Fest, a July event, drew nearly 5,000 spectators, and the recent Geico Mountain Ridge National Cross Country Race drew 1,500 competitors and thousands of spectators.
Source: The Tribune Democrat
