Argall, Twardzik Review Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Site

BRANCH TOWNSHIP - Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) and Rep. Tim Twardzik (R-123) visited the site of an ongoing abandoned mine land reclamation project near Branchdale on Friday. The project, spearheaded by nonprofit Woodlands for Wildlife, was awarded a state grant of $550,361 from the Abandoned Mine Lands and Acid Mine Drainage Grant Program in August.

"Seeing the black wastelands and polluted rivers and streams left behind by long-gone coal companies always drives home how important supporting these efforts is," Argall said. "We've made significant progress since I grew up near abandoned coal pits in Tamaqua's east end. However, much work remains to restore our land and protect our natural resources for future generations, so that our grandchildren and their children will only see the accounts of devastated landscapes in their history books, rather than from the windows of their homes."

"Seeing the scope of this abandoned mine land site in person underscores just how important this reclamation work is," Twardzik said. "These projects don't just heal the land, they protect nearby homes, improve water quality and help keep our communities safe. I'm grateful to see such strong partnerships focused on restoring Schuylkill County's natural environment."

The grant will fund engineering design work for the Branchdale East site in Branch Township. The project will ultimately address sheer rock walls as high as 100 feet created by strip mining, surface mine pits, coal refuse piles and embankments, improving water quality in West Creek and enhancing the health of the Schuylkill River Watershed.

The Abandoned Mine Lands and Acid Mine Drainage Grant Program provides funding to address hazards left behind by historic coal mining, including mine subsidence, sinkholes and polluted streams.

Argall noted that while existing mining companies are responsible for reclaiming their properties, many abandoned sites remain across the state. He also noted that under the state budget approved by the Senate last week, key conservation efforts like this one would continue for another year, if approved by the House of Representatives and the governor.

CONTACTS:
Seth Hubler (Argall)
Will Jones (Twardzik)