Charah files notice to appeal injunction decision regarding boiler house in Springdale

The owner of the former power plant in Springdale has 21 days to show how an Allegheny County court erred in granting a preliminary pause to imploding the boiler house at the site.

Allegheny County Judge John T. McVay Jr. ordered Tuesday that Charah Solutions has 21 days to file “a concise statement of errors complained of appeal in this matter” regarding a temporary injunction granted by him to pause an implosion of the boiler house.

Charah, a defendant in the case, had filed a notice of appeal to the Superior Court of Pennsylvania earlier Tuesday.

“Our filings will state our grounds for the appeal,” said Laura Veith, an attorney representing Charah.

Sixteen Springdale residents in September filed an injunction to block an implosion of the boiler house at the former Cheswick Generating Station. They claimed a June implosion of two chimneys at the site caused harm to themselves and the community and said an implosion of the boiler house would cause additional harm.

After a monthslong hearing, McVay in December found that the residents met elements required to issue a preliminary injunction. He ordered the parties to meet and discuss a joint comprehensive safety plan for an implosion of the boiler house. That plan was to be submitted to the state Department of Environmental Protection and county authorities for their review and approval. A meeting then would be required to inform the public about the plan.

Upon completion of the requirements, McVay would consider dissolving the injunction.

According to Janice Savinis, an attorney representing the residents, the sides held meetings to discuss the safety plan. It’s unclear where the plan stands.

Savinis said Tuesday her firm was unaware of the notice of appeal to a state court.

“That’s news to us,” she said.