The state’s Dept. of Environmental Protection just awarded two abandoned mine reclamation projects in Schuylkill County more than $8 million in grant funding.
The awards are from DEP’s Abandoned Mine Land and Abandoned Mine Drainage Grant Program. The organizations awarded funds will be reimbursed on their project costs up to the amounts granted.
“Thanks to these awards, there will now be fewer black wastelands and polluted rivers and streams in our area,” State Sen. Dave Argall says. “We’ve made significant progress since I grew up near abandoned coal pits in Tamaqua’s east end, but much work remains ahead.”
Two projects in Schuylkill County received grants this week:
Woodlands for Wildlife was awarded a grant for $1,424,258 for the Lorberry Junction Wildlife project. This project includes preparing an engineering design plan and securing permits for a future abandoned mine land reclamation project in Tremont Borough and Tremont Township.
“This funding is an important investment in Tremont Township and in the health and safety of our community,” State Rep. JoAnne Stehr says. “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.”
Schuylkill Conservation District was awarded $6,632,829 for the Schuylkill Haven East (SGL 286 Reclamation) project. That includes removing 247,000 cubic yards of waste coal slurry from an abandoned dredge desilting basin along Schuylkill River in North Manheim Township. DEP says this reclamation will restore about 21.5 acres of 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,” Wayne Lehman, county natural resource specialist at Schuylkill Conservation District, says. “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.”
State Rep. Tim Twardzik says, “This grant is a major step forward for Schuylkill County, turning abandoned mine lands into safer, usable spaces. 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,” State Rep. Jamie Barton adds. “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 grant program, according to DEP, is partially funded by the Infrastructure, Investment, and Jobs Act. In a statement from DEP, the agency takes aim at President Donald Trump for freezing $1.2 million in funds, including money from the IIJA. DEP credits Gov. Josh Shapiro for suing the Trump administration to unfreeze the funds.
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