Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Projects in Schuylkill County Awarded $8.1 Million in State Funding

HARRISBURG - Projects to reclaim abandoned mine lands and restore polluted streams in Schuylkill County were awarded nearly $8.1 million in highly competitive grant funding, according to Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) and Reps. JoAnne Stehr (R-107), Tim Twardzik (R-123) and Jamie Barton (R-124).

The following projects received funding:

• Woodlands for Wildlife - More than $1.4 million to prepare an engineering design plan and secure permits to reclaim 700 acres of abandoned mine lands in Tremont Township and Tremont Borough, eliminating 40 abandoned mine features with over 14,000 feet of dangerous highwalls and 70-foot cliffs in the Swatara Creek Watershed.
• Schuylkill Conservation District - More than $6.6 million to remove over 247,000 cubic yards of waste coal slurry from an abandoned dredge desilting basin located along the Schuylkill River in North Manheim Township, restoring nearly 21.5 acres of the Schuylkill River floodplain.

"The State Game Lands 286 remediation is an excellent project that will remove legacy coal sediment to restore floodplain and wetlands, improving water quality and reducing flooding impacts along the Schuylkill River while reestablishing lost wildlife habitat and hunting opportunities," said Wayne Lehman, county natural resource specialist, Schuylkill Conservation District. "Additionally, the Tremont Township project is a win-win opportunity to restore recreational opportunities in Sweet Arrow Lake County Park by dredging excessive sediment from the lake and utilizing it to reclaim abandoned mine pits near Tremont."

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

"This funding is an important investment in Tremont Township and in the health and safety of our community," Stehr said. "Reclaiming abandoned mine lands and improving water quality will protect our natural resources while supporting future growth. I appreciate the partnership of Woodlands for Wildlife and the local organizations involved in moving this project forward."

"This grant is a major step forward for Schuylkill County, turning abandoned mine lands into safer, usable spaces," Twardzik said. "By reducing pollution in our waterways, reclaiming damaged land and protecting our natural resources, this project will improve public safety, benefit the environment and create lasting opportunities for our communities to grow and thrive."

"Mining has long been a cornerstone of our local economy, and addressing the impacts left behind ensures that this history continues to benefit the region," Barton said. "Restoring former mine lands and improving water quality not only protect the environment but will also allow hunters and outdoorsmen to continue enjoying all the benefits these state game lands provide."

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."

CONTACTS:

Seth Hubler (Argall)
Will Jones (Twardzik/Stehr)
Jake Gillespie (Barton)