BRANCH TOWNSHIP – State Rep. Tim Twardzik (R-Schuylkill) and Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) announced that $550,361 has been awarded to support the reclamation of abandoned mine lands in Schuylkill County.
The funding comes through the Abandoned Mine Lands and Acid Mine Drainage Grant Program.
The grant, awarded to Woodlands for Wildlife, will fund engineering design work for the Branchdale East site in Branch Township. The project will focus on improving water quality in West Creek and strengthening the overall health of the Schuylkill River Watershed.
“Abandoned mine lands remain one of the most serious environmental and public safety issues in Schuylkill County,” said Twardzik. “This investment will help us restore streams, protect communities, and improve the quality of life for our residents while supporting important local work in reclamation and conservation.”
Sen. Argall echoed those remarks, noting the progress made over recent decades. “Thanks to this award, there will now be fewer black wastelands and polluted rivers and streams in our area,” Argall said. “We’ve made significant progress since I grew up near abandoned coal pits in Tamaqua’s east end, but much work remains ahead.”
The Abandoned Mine Lands and Acid Mine Drainage Grant Program provides federal funding to tackle hazards left behind by historic coal mining. These include mine subsidence, sinkholes, dangerous highwalls, and polluted waterways.