Representative Tarah Probst Files Appeal to Protect The Poconos / Stroud Township’s Water and Land
Rep. Tarah Probst June 24, 2026 | 2:51 PM
STROUDSBURG, June 24 – State Rep. Tarah Probst has officially challenged recent environmental permits issued for construction in Stroud Township after approval by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, along with coordinated branches of the federal government. By filing an appeal with the state’s Environmental Hearing Board, she is asking for a formal permit review to make sure the state followed all the rules correctly before allowing development to move forward.
“My job is to protect our community’s environment, including our streams and wetlands,” Probst said. “When companies build in our area, they must follow strict rules to prevent flooding, erosion, and pollution. This appeal is about making sure those rules were actually followed and that our natural resources are not at risk.”
Probst has stated that she has personal standing for these appeals as a resident of Stroudsburg, the neighboring borough to Stroud Township. Stroudsburg Borough falls into the area of potential effect of the work taking place in Stroud Township according to PennDOT scope of work documents.
The permits in question, known as Chapter 102 and Chapter 105, are required by law to ensure that construction projects do not harm local water quality or cause flooding for neighbors. Probst is concerned that the current I-80 expansion plans through Stroud Township may not be doing enough to protect the area’s water and local ecosystem.
By taking this action, Probst said she is the watchdog for her constituents and for her community. The goal is to ensure that all development is done responsibly and that the health of the local watershed is prioritized.
“We need to be sure that the growth in our township is safe and sustainable,” Probst added. “This is about transparency and holding the process to the highest standard for the people who live here.”
A prior permit, previously appealed by Probst, and currently under consideration by the EHB, is aimed at Sunny Brook Mitigation Bank in Damascus Township, where, according to a news update posted at i80project.com, PennDOT plans to “move” or mitigate Stroudsburg wetlands along the I-80 expansion project’s path.
Probst’s office will continue to monitor the situation and update the community as more information becomes available.
For more information, please contact the 189th District Office at (570) 420-2850.
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