The federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement is now offering grants for acid mine drainage treatment through the Watershed Cooperative Agreement Program to not-for-profit 501(c)3 entities as determined by the Internal Revenue Service.
The deadline for applications is September 6.
OSMRE is accepting applications for financial assistance of up to $100,000 per award for Fiscal Year 2019. Higher amounts are available with proper justification. The total approximate allocation for this program is estimated at $3,500,000 nationwide for 2019.
WCAP is designed to be partnered with other funding sources to assist groups such as small watershed organizations to complete local AMD reclamation projects. Financial participation from other partners is encouraged, but not required.
Not-for-profit entities may use WCAP funds only for AMD problems related to abandoned coal mining activities and processes as defined by the federal Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA), and can include remediation of AMD, sources of AMD, and installation of passive or active water treatment systems, including repairs and renovations.
Projects may also include reclamation of lands that are contributing sediment or acid forming materials to streams. Funds are available for construction of new treatment systems, and maintenance and rehabilitation of existing systems.
Since WCAP was established in 1999, 114 WCAP grants have been awarded to Pennsylvania non-profit watershed groups for a total of about $9.5 million.
Total costs for these projects including all partner cash and in-kind donations of labor and services are about $44.2 million.
Projects typically involve small to moderate flow discharges from abandoned underground or surface coal mines, using passive treatment technology.
For more information visit the Not-For Profit Acid Mine Drainage Watershed Grant Program webpage. Questions and interest should be directed by email to David Hamilton at: dhamilton@osmre.gov, or Robbie Fulton at: rfulton@osmreo.gov. They will be happy to discuss the program.
(Reprinted from Abandoned Mine Posts, Western PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation.)
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