Projects to Reclaim Abandoned Mine Lands in Schuylkill County Awarded Funding

HARRISBURG - Projects to reclaim abandoned mine lands and restore polluted streams in Schuylkill County were awarded almost $1.5 million in highly competitive grant funding, according to Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) and Rep. Tim Twardzik (R-123).

"These are great projects that will clean up legacy mine problems and improve the quality of life for Schuylkill County residents," said Wayne Lehman, County Natural Resource Specialist, Schuylkill Conservation District.

"Thanks to these awards, there will now be fewer black wastelands and polluted rivers and streams in our area," said Argall. "We've made significant progress since I grew up near abandoned coal pits in Tamaqua's east end, but much work remains ahead."

"Anthracite coal fueled the Industrial Revolution and two World Wars, but it also left behind abandoned mines and acid mine drainage," said Twardzik. "To date, Pennsylvania has rehabilitated more than half of the 288,000 acres of abandoned coal mines. These latest grants mark a significant step toward addressing these challenges and restoring areas impacted by mining activity. The Schuylkill Conservation District and Woodlands for Wildlife are doing vital work to improve our environment, and this funding will support their efforts to reclaim abandoned mine lands and mitigate acid mine drainage. These projects are crucial for protecting our natural resources and revitalizing our communities."

The following projects received funding:

Schuylkill Conservation District - $442,191.20 to reclaim abandoned mine lands on State Game Land 326 in Butler Township.

Schuylkill Conservation District - $379,085 to analyze the Pine Knot and Oak Hill boreholes and the Repplier mine discharges to develop an abandoned mine drainage treatment facility in Cass Township, which will reduce pollution in local streams.

Woodlands for Wildlife - $658,890 to reclaim 27 abandoned mine land features in Branch Township, south of Llewellyn.

This funding was awarded through the Abandoned Mine Lands and Acid Mine Drainage Grant Program, which is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Pennsylvania has the greatest number of abandoned coal mines in the United States and has received more than $700 million in federal funding to reclaim abandoned mine lands since 2022.

"I sponsored the original Growing Greener program, the largest investment in conservation in Pennsylvania history, because our quality of life is improved substantially when we care for our environment," Argall continued. "These dollars mean more green fields, clean streams, and healthy communities in Schuylkill County."

CONTACT: Jim Brugger (Argall)
Will Jones (Twardzik)