The 13th Annual PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference dates are set for August 4-6 at the Best Western Genetti Inn & Suites in Hazleton. This year's theme is "Working Together for Innovation and Success."
The Conference will kick off on August 4 with a Pre-Conference Tour of Anthracite Region Abandoned Mine Drainage passive treatment systems. The tour will be followed by the 15th Anniversary Dinner and Fundraiser for the Eastern Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation.
Artwork commissioned by local artists and created utilizing recovered iron oxides harvested, collected, and processed by the EPCAMR staff, will be auctioned off.
Tentatively, plenary speakers are set to include: Michael Krancer, acting Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection, David Hess, former DEP Secretary, and Andrew Heath, Executive Director of Renew Growing Greener Coalition.
Conference Agenda
The Conference presentations will begin on the morning of August 5 and will conclude on August 6 at noon.
Twenty-two presentations will be divided into two tracks to run simultaneously with a half-day workshop on Grant Writing and one on the use of the website Datashed including creating projects and sample points and uploading water quality data.
The presentations will vary from topics such as the Marcellus Gas Drilling and ties to AMD / mine pool use, successful TMDL implementation, coal mining history, watershed implementation projects utilizing landscape architecture, developing Qualified Hydrologic Unit Plans, mine pool mapping, sustainable alternative energy initiatives, showcases of successes in AMD treatment, partnerships between watershed groups and industry, geothermal projects utilizing underground mine pools, operation, maintenance and repairs of AMD treatment systems, the status of State funds for maintaining existing AMD treatment systems, and future coal market predictions in Pennsylvania.
The Conference's Annual Mayfly Award will be presented at a formal dinner on August 5. The Mayfly Award is presented to those individuals who exhibit long-term efforts in addressing mine drainage remediation projects in Pennsylvania.
Soliciting Presentations
Presentation submissions pertaining to the theme and topics listed above are being accepted through April 30. Submissions should contain a Name, Affiliation, Biography, Presentation Title, and Abstract and be sent by email to: rhughes@epcamr.org.
Presentations selected for inclusion in the conference will be notified on or around May 31.
Professional development hours will be offered to conference attendees. Presenters at the Conference are eligible to receive additional credits.
Discounted block room rates are available at the Best Western Genetti Inn & Suites in Hazleton for $70 plus taxes until June 30.
The conference planning committee plans to offer scholarships for travel and/or conference registration to representatives of non-profit watershed organizations, historic preservation societies, and conservancy groups. Please be aware that financial assistance will only be granted on a reimbursement basis, as funding allows.
Sponsorships
The opportunity to sponsor this year's Conference is offered at the following levels: Platinum ($2500+), Gold ($1000+), and Silver ($500). Details of the benefits of each of the levels of Sponsorship can be found on the Sponsors Page. A sponsorship wish list for expenses such as the Pre-Conference Tour, meals, and entertainment will be posted soon.
Exhibitor spaces, near the hustle and bustle of conference happenings, are available at a fee of $200-$400. Non-profit, community groups, student poster presentations, historic preservation groups, and watershed groups will be allowed to exhibit for free, however, will not have access to electricity.
Additional Conference Information can be found at the Conference website. We are continuing to update the website, so check back frequently for more informationa s it becomes available.
(By Anne Daymut, Watershed Coordinator, Western PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation.)
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