The funding comes through Pennsylvania’s Abandoned Mine Lands and Acid Mine Drainage Grant Program, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and will support efforts to restore land damaged by historic coal mining while improving local waterways and wildlife habitats.
Two projects in Schuylkill County will receive funding through the program.
The Woodlands for Wildlife project was awarded more than $1.4 million to prepare engineering design plans and secure permits to reclaim approximately 700 acres of abandoned mine lands in Tremont Township and Tremont Borough. The project aims to eliminate 40 abandoned mine features, including more than 14,000 feet of dangerous highwalls and cliffs reaching up to 70 feet tall within the Swatara Creek Watershed.
Meanwhile, the Schuylkill Conservation District received more than $6.6 million to remove approximately 247,000 cubic yards of waste coal slurry from an abandoned dredge desilting basin located along the Schuylkill River in North Manheim Township. The work will restore nearly 21.5 acres of the river’s floodplain and improve water quality in the surrounding area.
Wayne Lehman, county natural resource specialist with the Schuylkill Conservation District, said the project will have both environmental and recreational benefits.
“The State Game Lands 286 remediation is an excellent project that will remove legacy coal sediment to restore floodplain and wetlands, improving water quality and reducing flooding impacts along the Schuylkill River while reestablishing lost wildlife habitat and hunting opportunities,” Lehman said. “Additionally, the Tremont Township project is a win-win opportunity to restore recreational opportunities in Sweet Arrow Lake County Park by dredging excessive sediment from the lake and utilizing it to reclaim abandoned mine pits near Tremont.”
Argall noted the continued need to address the environmental impacts left behind by decades of coal mining.
“Thanks to these awards, 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.”
Rep. JoAnne Stehr said the funding represents an investment in both the community and its natural resources.
“This funding is an important investment in Tremont Township and in the health and safety of our community,” Stehr said. “Reclaiming abandoned mine lands and improving water quality will protect our natural resources while supporting future growth. I appreciate the partnership of Woodlands for Wildlife and the local organizations involved in moving this project forward.”
Rep. Tim Twardzik added that reclaiming the damaged lands will create long-term benefits for residents.
“This grant is a major step forward for Schuylkill County, turning abandoned mine lands into safer, usable spaces,” Twardzik said. “By reducing pollution in our waterways, reclaiming damaged land and protecting our natural resources, this project will improve public safety, benefit the environment and create lasting opportunities for our communities to grow and thrive.”
Rep. Jamie Barton also highlighted the importance of addressing the legacy of mining while preserving outdoor opportunities.
“Mining has long been a cornerstone of our local economy, and addressing the impacts left behind ensures that this history continues to benefit the region,” Barton said. “Restoring former mine lands and improving water quality not only protect the environment but will also allow hunters and outdoorsmen to continue enjoying all the benefits these state game lands provide.”
Pennsylvania has the largest number of abandoned coal mines in the United States. Since 2022, the state has received more than $700 million in federal funding to help reclaim abandoned mine lands and address environmental damage caused by historic mining operations.
Argall noted that these investments continue the work of conservation initiatives such as the Growing Greener program, which he helped create.
“I sponsored the original Growing Greener program, the largest investment in conservation in Pennsylvania history, because our quality of life is improved substantially when we care for our environment,” Argall said. “These dollars mean more green fields, clean streams and healthy communities in Schuylkill County.”