When PennDOT digs, the resulting dirt has to go somewhere.

The department is offering to drop fill dirt off at properties near work sites in Warren and Forest counties.

“Spring road maintenance season will be under way soon and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s Forest and Warren County maintenance offices expect waste fill dirt will be available as crews tackle activities such as ditching, shoulder cutting, pipe replacement, and other operations,” according to a release from District Press Officer Jill Harry. “Fill dirt left over from PennDOT maintenance operations is available to property owners who request the material, and whose property is accessible and located near work areas.”

It’s a win-win.

Property owners who want fill get it.

And, the department benefits.

“It’s crucial to find close dump sites,” Warren County Maintenance Manager Adam Elms said. “The longer haul we have, the less productive we are.”

The department keeps a database of properties.

“You come to the office and get an M-666 form,” Elms said.

Those forms are available online, and at the maintenance office in Starbrick. They can be picked up and dropped off 24/7 at a box in front of the building. The agreements are good through the end of the calendar year.

“We review your site to make sure everything is good from the Department of Environmental Protection side,” he said.

Approved sites are added to the database.

“Then, when crews are out working, they check the database,” Elms said. “If you’re the closest one to the job, we bring it to you.”

“Currently, PennDOT anticipates having fill dirt available from work throughout both counties,” Harry said. “Message boards are also placed near work areas to alert residents and property owners of the availability of fill dirt.”

The department is looking for locations near Route 62 South from Route 6 to the Forest County line and Route 59 in particular, Elms said.