Lycoming News

Projects aimed at reclaiming abandoned mine lands and restoring polluted streams in Schuylkill County have been awarded nearly $1.5 million in grant funding. This announcement was made by Senator Dave Argall and Representative Tim Twardzik.

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

Argall expressed optimism about the environmental improvements resulting from these grants. “Thanks to these awards, there will now be fewer black wastelands and polluted rivers and streams in our area,” he said. “We’ve made significant progress since I grew up near abandoned coal pits in Tamaqua’s east end, but much work remains ahead.”

Twardzik highlighted the historical context of anthracite coal mining, which played a critical role during the Industrial Revolution and two World Wars but also left environmental challenges such as abandoned mines and acid mine drainage. He noted that Pennsylvania has rehabilitated over half of its 288,000 acres of abandoned coal mines. The new grants represent another step toward addressing these issues.

The funded projects include:

- Schuylkill Conservation District receiving $442,191.20 for reclamation efforts on State Game Land 326 in Butler Township.

- Schuylkill Conservation District receiving $379,085 to develop an abandoned mine drainage treatment facility in Cass Township.

- Woodlands for Wildlife receiving $658,890 to reclaim 27 features related to abandoned mine lands in Branch Township.

This financial support comes through the Abandoned Mine Lands and Acid Mine Drainage Grant Program managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Pennsylvania holds the highest number of abandoned coal mines nationwide and has secured over $700 million in federal funds for land reclamation 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 added. “These dollars mean more green fields, clean streams, and healthy communities in Schuylkill County.”