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HARVEYS LAKE — The state Department of Environmental Protection did not approve plans for a floating restaurant on Harveys Lake, but it didn’t say no to the unique eatery either.
DEP told Edye Schneider that she did not need its approval to build a restaurant that would be anchored in the lake to the left the public boat launch at the lake, according to Colleen Connolly, the DEP’s community relations coordinator.
“DEP has been in contact with Edye Schneider regarding her proposal for a structure on Harveys Lake in Luzerne County,” Connolly said in an emailed statement. “The department has determined that no DEP permits are necessary for the project at this time.”
On Tuesday, Schneider told Harveys Lake Zoning Hearing Board and residents she acquired approval from DEP and the Fish and Boat Commission and Department of Labor for a proposed dock-like restaurant named Kanu.
“They (state agencies) know exactly what I am doing,” Schneider said during her interaction with an audience of more than 50 residents. “They know exactly where the launch is; where I can pick up people, and I have the approval to do that.”
Connolly emailed the Times Leader on Wednesday to clarify the agency’s position.
The email contained a copy of a letter addressed to Schneider, dated June 1, 2017, that stated DEP received a “permitting determination request” for the eatery.
The letter said, “activities addressed in this submission do not appear to constitute an encroachment or an obstruction. Therefore, they do not appear to be subject to regulation under the Dam Safety and Encroachments Act and, as such, would not require a Water Obstruction and Encroachment Permit from DEP.”
Also, Schneider was informed no sewage planning was necessary by the agency’s Clean Water Program, according to the email. Schneider was told sewage planning was “likely a local issue” and was referred to the Department of Agriculture.
Shannon Powers, the deputy communications director at the state Department of Agriculture, said Schneider was advised to meet with the zoning board first to determine if the business plan is feasible before applying to the agency for a permit.
If she obtained zoning approval, she would submit an application for a “mobile food” business classification, Powers said.
Then, before opening the eatery to the public, an inspector would examine the facility to issue a final approval, Powers said.
