Gov. Tom Wolf Thursday announced the selection of 4 projects to receive $1,193,603 in funding to reclaim abandoned coal mines in Elk, Fayette and Schuylkill counties. The projects awarded grants are--
-- Elk County: Headwaters Charitable Trust, Kyler Hollow AMD Passive Treatment System - ALD 1 & ALD 2 Rehabilitation: $618,118; and
-- Headwaters Charitable Trust, Hayes Run & Backside Hayes AMD Passive Treatment System Modifications/Improvements: $384,918;
-- Fayette County: Mountain Watershed Association, Inc., Rondell-Correal AMD Treatment System: $123,543; and
-- Schuylkill County: Schuylkill County Conservation District, Upper Swatara Creek QHUP AMD Monitoring Project: $67,024.
The selected projects mitigate acid mine drainage (AMD) and support programs that improve water quality in watersheds, wetlands, and fisheries that have been impaired by AMD.
“The health of Pennsylvanians depends on the health of Pennsylvania’s waterways” said Gov. Wolf. “These grants will aid projects that are committed to protecting public health by eliminating acid mine drainage.”
“Pennsylvania’s history is inextricably linked to mining,” said Department of Environmental Protection Secretary John Quigley. “Unfortunately, acid mine drainage has also been a part of this history. The investments we are making today are essential in correcting the errors of the past to restore water quality in our streams for generations to come.”
Funding for the AMD Set Aside Program comes from a federal fee on the active mining industry designated in the Federal Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Act.
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