Project to Reclaim Abandoned Mine Land, Prevent Flooding in Western Schuylkill County Awarded Funding

HARRISBURG - The Schuylkill Conservation District was awarded a grant of $280,800 to reclaim abandoned mine land and restore acres of wetlands along the Swatara Creek in Ravine, according to Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) and Rep. JoAnne Stehr (R-107). Once completed, this reclamation project will decrease the number of devastating floods in Pine Grove and other downstream communities and reduce pollution.

"This project is another piece in the flood reduction puzzle for the Swatara Creek Watershed that will have positive flood reduction impacts to residents in the vicinity of the project and downstream in Pine Grove," said Wayne Lehman, County Natural Resource Specialist, Schuylkill Conservation District.

The project will remove coal refuse along more than 1,500 feet of Swatara Creek, restoring more than six acres of wetlands in the area. Renewing the wetlands will provide a safer location for potentially dangerous floodwaters to accumulate in the event of a severe storm.

"Residents of Pine Grove and Tremont should see fewer floods in the future when big storms roll through," said Argall. "It's truly a testament to what we can accomplish when we all work together - in this case, a team of conservation experts, municipal officials, local employers, and state legislators and agencies addressed a serious problem that threatened the health and well-being of thousands of people in western Schuylkill County. AND we're removing the scars of past mining operations."

"Addressing abandoned mine lands in Schuylkill County is a critical step in protecting our environment and supporting the well-being of our communities," said Stehr. "This funding will improve waterways, eliminate safety hazards, and create opportunities for growth in areas once burdened by the impact of coal mining. I'm grateful for the support that enables us to continue this vital work to restore and revitalize our region."

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.

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